|
|
03-03-2013, 07:59 PM | #1 |
Captain
68
Rep 954
Posts |
This weekend I was installing my new camber plates and I went a little too gorilla on a top nut and as best as I can tell managed to run it past the threads on the top of the strut.
So now I have two issues that I'm concerned will cause me to fail: 1. A clunk from the right front due to spring binding. It only occurs below 5mph. No issue at speed. 2. My top nut is basically stuck on the strut. The nut obviously isn't going anywhere but the only way to replace the strut (and maybe correct the binding) is to cut the top of the strut off the free the camber plate and spring. I'd rather not. If it isn't a safety issue I'm content to live with it. Thoughts? Edit: I think I know the answer here already. I can't ignore this issue. So it's really just a question of how do I save the camber plate and spring. Meaning rescue it from the stuck nut. |
03-03-2013, 08:57 PM | #2 |
First Lieutenant
37
Rep 381
Posts |
The strut shaft nut does not need to be tightened very much ~ 20 ft-lb. I'd be concerned about the remaining strength of the threads in either the nut or strut. Hopefully the nut deformed and not the strut threads. Try using a impact wrench on the nut with the strut installed in the car. If it comes off you can inspect the strut threads, if it doesn't you'll have to try some other method but I would say cutting the strut rod would be the last thing to try. Better inspect the strut bearing too once you get it off.
Are you talking about a tech inspection for a track day? Whether it fails inspection or not I would be concerned. Think about it. |
Appreciate
0
|
03-03-2013, 09:17 PM | #3 | |
Captain
68
Rep 954
Posts |
Quote:
I want it to be ok but my gut tells me it's not. I emailed my tech and we will see what he says. But I'm thinking my gut is right. And yes, inspection for a track day. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2013, 07:39 AM | #4 |
Brigadier General
913
Rep 3,456
Posts
Drives: Harrop E90 M3
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Colorado Springs
|
Using a good impact should get the nut off. Now whether or not the strut is salvageable, who knows until you get it apart.
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2013, 08:06 AM | #5 |
Captain
68
Rep 954
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2013, 08:45 AM | #6 | |
*_*
808
Rep 3,160
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2013, 08:59 AM | #7 | ||
Captain
68
Rep 954
Posts |
Quote:
|
||
Appreciate
0
|
03-05-2013, 12:28 AM | #8 |
78
Rep 684
Posts |
Care to take a picture of the strut top stem/nut?
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-05-2013, 07:43 AM | #9 | |
Captain
68
Rep 954
Posts |
Quote:
1. Try to cut the nut off using a dremel. 2. Look at drilling out the strut but access might be too limited even with my air drill. 3. Cut strut just above the strut flange bearing so that I can remove it from the camber plate and save plate and spring. 4. Cut strut mid span to save the spring and take the top half to a machine shop and let them drill the strut out. This is my order if 1 fails go to 2 and so on. Note that I am speaking of cutting the strut rod, not the pressurized region (of course). |
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-07-2013, 08:20 AM | #11 | |
Captain
68
Rep 954
Posts |
Quote:
The nut has proven very stubborn, and at this point I can see that the threads of the strut are destroyed, so I'll probably cut hacksaw the strut. Oh well. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-08-2013, 07:44 PM | #13 | |
Captain
68
Rep 954
Posts |
Quote:
Turns out I left off the rubber bushings because they were stuck on the old strut mounts. That's why I ended up having to tighten everything down too much. I am going to have to drill out or cut the strut at this point. Lesson (expensively) learned. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|