Strut questions
 

I have a few questions regarding this topic...
I have a 98 LX with just over 90k miles on it. I get a nice clunk sound from the left front strut assembly whenever I go over a good sized speed bump--you know those ones on residential streets that make you slow down for it to like 15 mph--or something that creates a quick spring compression.
The mechanic we took it to said it was the bearing plate (his words, is it called that specifically or termed differently?), yet everything in the suspension was tight.
Ok, so it seems this isn't really a problem because my handling hasn't deteriorated since we bought it from the previous owner--it's been nearly 20k miles like this, but I am wondering:
-if it is the bearing plate, is that a unit to itself that can be replaced independently of the rest of the strut assembly or do I have to replace the whole strut?
-and where the heck is it in relation to the strut assembly (I am thinking it's on top of the spring...)?
-when is the best time to replace struts? I've heard at around 100k miles...
Anyways, thank you in advance. It will help a lot.

Sweet! Thanks for the helpful answers!

Ok. I'll just figure it out on my own.

I had a similar problem and searched quite a lot for it...

Turned out to be a common Protege problem: endlinks

Look under the car, they attach between the anti-roll bar and the strut. The ball joints become loose and clunk. I replaced the front right, and a few months later replaced the other three (one at each corner). Now, less than a year / 5k miles later, one in the rear started clunking again :crying:

If that is your problem, it's an easy & inexpensive fix. If it's really bad, you can (slightly) pry on the assembly with a crowbar/pipe and see some play in the joints.

Thanks a bunch! I'll check on it.