Rep Power: 0

This is actually a multi part story/question. I have a 2001 honda civic ex. I put new front struts on it last week because surprise, surprise...they were blown. I was hoping this was going to also solve the banging that was occurring on the passenger side whenever the suspension was working. The struts did NOT fix the banging noise and for some reason I have a new problem. My steering is extremely sensitive now. When I hit small bumps on the highway the car wants to walk and is very easy to over-steer. It creates a very sickening swerve as you drive. I also notice that my steering wheel is not "square" anymore, but I also cant remember if it was before. I may have just noticed it now that I was looking for a solution. Sooooo the question I have is what on earth is the banging noise AND what is up with my steering?

 
Rep Power: 812

did you get an alignment after the new shocks were installed?

 
Rep Power: 0

Interesting that you ask. NO. I did not. I did not see where I would have knocked anything out of alignment. When I took the tie rod ends loose, I put them right back into the new struts without loosing or tightening. Where are the adjusting points on the front end? If it as simple as an alignment, I would be happy.

 
Rep Power: 0

Okay. Im officially a retard (not that any of ya'll didnt already know). My tires are wearing, clearly its an alignment problem. I cant wait to see where the alignment points are....it has me thoroughly confused. Im still wondering about the rattle though?!?!?!

 
Rep Power: 812

alignment will change whenever you mess with suspension components or tires, even if you put everything back exactly where it was. you always need to realign the car asap after replacing the parts. have a shop do it with their fancy laser guided machines, theres no way you can eyeball it to where it needs to be.

for the rattle, did you replace the upper strut mounts and bearings?

 
Rep Power: 0

No I did not. I just transferred it off of the old struts. Is that a major problem or is that something I can replace at a later date?

 
Rep Power: 812

well its not a safety issue, it will just make noise. they almost always crack cause the bearing is plastic. the new part was changed to metal.

 
Rep Power: 253

How did you not notice the uneven tire wear before? You should look into getting new tires if they are messed up and then get everything all balanced and aligned.

 
Rep Power: 0

I did not notice uneven tire wear before. I just noticed that the struts were leaking and the ride was degrading. When I got them off they were clearly shot. The tires are not messed up beyond use. It was a only 5 days of driving. Just wish I would have had it aligned prior to the slight amount of wear. Poor life choice