Klaus,

I just returned from seeing my mechanic. I opened the hood and the top of the strut wouldn't rotate at all. Got home and the I was able turn easily turn the strut fixture by hand. On the way back to the mechanic I pulled over and it wouldn't turn at all. Made a sharp U-turn, (heard my ugly groan when the wheel is turned sharply) and stopped to inspect. It was rotating freely again.

My mechanic finally saw the what I was talking about, and he said I needed new struts, and nothing regarding the "rubber bushing" you mentioned. He invited me to come back when his lift was free to inspect from underneath.

What should I do to get control of the situation, and make sure the right things get done. Should I make sure alignment is part of the deal?

Thanks for your patience.

- thumbs