I have a 2002 dodge stratus that is making a knocking noise front driver side. It makes the noise mainly going over bumps. This leads me to believe it is somthing to do with the strut. I know there are bushings and upper strut mounts that can be replaced but i was wondering if it might be the entire strut. Any thoughts would be apprciated.

It could be several things ....
Wheel bearings - jack the front driver side up. First ... just rotate the wheel ... you should hear NOTHING. Any noise menas there is probably a wheel bearing/hub issue. Now take hold of the tire in the 9am and 3pm positions. Try to push/pull from side to side ... if there is any "play" in the wheel the bearings are going.
Brake line interference - a lot of brake lines have a plastic sheath in the wheel well area ... check to see that the line/plastic sheath shows no wear when you have the wheel off...that might cause the issue.
Steering linkage - even though the upper control arms were recently replaced look at all the ball joints and grab hold of them and see if there is any play/movement.
Repeat on the passenger side..
Good luck on your troubleshooting

Have helper jump up and down on bumper while you look underneath to see location of noise. Could be bad strut, mounting of sway bar, etc.

I believe the Dodge Stratus has a timing belt operated water pump so this is what you can do. Disconnect the main drive belt for the a/c compressor and the alternator and start the vehicle and if it still makes the whinning noise than it is most likely going to be the water pump, if it does no longer make that noise check the pulley's on the a/c compressor and the alternator to make sure that the bearings are okay.... mkkkayyy hope that helps, good day

i need to find out how to program a n alarm for 2002 dodge stratus

Hi.

You need to have a look at the CV Joint of the driver-side front wheel.

check the frunt break pads if the pads were ever replaced by aftermarket pads they will make a clunk sound going over bumps

See if you can bounce car and replicate the noise. If you can, you should be able to find it, and put your hand on it. Stabilizer bushing are a place to look, both at the lower a arm and on the frame. If you narrow it down to the strut, it will need to be replaced. The front trans mount also goes bad, try putting it in drive with your foot on the brake and give it some gas and see if the engine moves an excessive amount.

There are a few suspension parts that can cause knocking noises. Such as swar bar loose, strut mounts going bad. You should really have a shop do a complete suspension check.

Sounds like it is time for some ball joints. There is no way to grease them, and when they start squeaking, it is time for replacement. Do both upper and lower on the side that is squeaking.

Is the coil spring binding from a bad strut mount bearing?