I am replacing all of the suspension bushings/tie rod ends/ball joints on my 1986 740 Wagon. I now have everything disconnected from the bottom of the struts. On the drivers side, when I turn the strut more than about 35 degrees, it makes a creak. The creak is comming from the upper part of the strut - seemingly where it mounts to the frame. During the 35 degrees of rotation without the creak, I can here a faint bearing noise, which sound normal to me. If I turn the strut to one side (though the creak zone), it resets the non-creak zone. What I mean is that it now doesn't creek for about 35degrees and then creaks where is was silent a moment ago.
I do not remember a creak when turning the wheels lock to lock when on the ground, so I am inclined to leave it alone. The passenger side strut does not make this creak, and has the same amount of bearing noise. What should I do?

Thanks,
Steve
--
1986 745 w/ M46 200K since new, 1995 965 104K

Steve,
I think that what is happening here is that the strut top bearing is worn/rusted and only has a limited range of movmement before it locks up.
When you twist the strut beyond this point the outer race of the bearing is turning in the rubber mounting and this alters the relative positions of the inner and outer races.
This is why your quiet zone moves about.
Sounds like you need a new strut top mount.
Colin.

That is what I was afraid of. To replace the strut top mount do I need to compress the springs? Or is it replaced with the springs extended?

If I can find a parts diagram that includes the strut mount, it would be helpful.

Another piece of info: When turning the strut, the rubber bushing visible from under the hood does not rotate.

Thanks,
Steve

Steve.
Yes you will have to compress the spring or you will get VERY close view of the mount as it flies off when the nut is undone! The pic below shows the strut mount upside down and you can see the bearing.

Hope this helps,
Colin.