We have a 99 s80 "Devil Car" and just had the struts replaced. There has always been a small thud from the front end (even after the struts) but the other day it became very loud. Only happens over bunps, potholes, etc. Car drives, turns and brakes fine. My question is what the heck is the noise? It sounds like it coming from the front left. I have seen many posts refering to the sway bar links. How do you check them and how much "play" should there be? Thanks in advance.

 

Check the sway bar links buy putting the front end on Jackstands and pulling on the swya bar near the end links. There should be no play at all.

Also make sure the strut caps aren't broke. I know you just had the struts replaced but did they replace them?

 

Strut caps?? I have been wrenching on this thing trying to figure something out but no such luck. Question..I did notice when the car is on the ground there is a gap at the top of the strut (looking under the plastic caps in the enging comp) under the rubber bushing. Is this normal? are they upside down? When I jack the car up (simulating the wheel droping) the gap disappears. Normal? Some info on the strut caps would be great. There isn't a dealer where I live so that route is a major pain. Thanks again
Just in case the boneheads put the wrong struts on, does anyone have the part number for replacement KYB struts? I have looked online but can't find the part number to match the ones on the car.

 

The strut cap is the rubber peice under the Round washer looking thing where the Gap is.
If they are bad you will be able to turn the nut with the car sitting on the ground.
If they feel rubbery then they are good.