shock/strut upper nuts

93GTosu · Mar 19, 2008

when installing shocks/struts how much do you tighten down the UPPER nuts in the engine bay and in the hatch?

I dont see how I'd be able to get a torque wrench in there and keep the rod from turning. I have an impact gun...but is it ok to spin the rods while putting the nut back on with the gun? If so, how far do i zip em down?

these are strange 10-ways btw....and they look hawt

Nova · Mar 20, 2008

if you read the instructions it most likely says not to use an impact on them. i know my tokico's did. because the shaft is hollow where the adjust goes through.

SVT32VDOHC · Mar 20, 2008

You tighten them down until they stop. IF you don't, they will jump up and down, and make noise. Do not use an impact gun. Put a gear wrench on the nut. Then put a set of Vise Grips on a long wide flat head. Place the flat head in the nut slot. Then turn it till they stop.

squeak_cg · Mar 20, 2008

I came across the same issue when installing my tokico adjustables. They called for something like 40 lb-ft on the strut nut and I had no idea how to use a torque wrench on it. I ended up just snugging them down by feel.

I suppose if you wanted you could rig a spring-scale to a wrench but I doubt it is that critical.

SVT32VDOHC · Mar 20, 2008

Just make sure you don't scratch your fender while doing this! Oh man I was carefull. I layed like 5 towels over it!!

jmd2914 · Mar 20, 2008

deffinately dont use an impact gun. a buddy of mine did that when he was installing a set of kyb's and it ended up blowing the shock somehow

allballsmustang · Mar 20, 2008

93GTosu said:
when installing shocks/struts how much do you tighten down the UPPER nuts in the engine bay and in the hatch?

I dont see how I'd be able to get a torque wrench in there and keep the rod from turning. I have an impact gun...but is it ok to spin the rods while putting the nut back on with the gun? If so, how far do i zip em down?

these are strange 10-ways btw....and they look hawt

the answer to your question is 20-30 ft. lbs. atleast thats what hotchkis told me when i was doing my cc plates and my strange 10 ways...as for the backs im not 100% sure...i havent gotten them yet probably tomorrow...

HISSIN50 · Mar 20, 2008

I use a long prybar (the kind that look like a flatblade screwdriver with a bent tip) in the notch in the strut. Hold the bar horizontal so you have leverage, and then use a box wrench to tighten the nut. I don't know how you could get a torque reading unless you used a crow's foot or something like that.

Good luck.

93GTosu · Mar 21, 2008

Ok, I've got the fronts on alright. thanks for the help.

The REARS now. They don't have a notch or anything on the top--just 2 flat sides you can grab with a set of vice grips.

*My problem is that I can not thread the nut down enough to get a hold on the top. I can get the nut flush with the very top of the strut shaft, but not enough to get a hold on it and the damn thing keeps moving.

There also isnt alot of the room in the back of a hatch. Theres alot of sound deadening thats getting in the way.

Edit: would it help if I put some weight on it? Like lower the car down onto its wheels with the upper nut partially on? dont know if thats a good idea or not?...

HISSIN50 · Mar 21, 2008

93GTosu said:
Ok, I've got the fronts on alright. thanks for the help.

The REARS now. They don't have a notch or anything on the top--just 2 flat sides you can grab with a set of vice grips.

*My problem is that I can not thread the nut down enough to get a hold on the top. I can get the nut flush with the very top of the strut shaft, but not enough to get a hold on it and the damn thing keeps moving.

There also isnt alot of the room in the back of a hatch. Theres alot of sound deadening thats getting in the way.

Edit: would it help if I put some weight on it? Like lower the car down onto its wheels with the upper nut partially on? dont know if thats a good idea or not?...

Once you get some weight on the dampers, that should help.

As an aside I use a proper wrench on the flat sides on the shock's shaft (generally it's something real small like a 5 or 6 mm open-end wrench).

93GTosu · Mar 21, 2008

excellent, I'll try that tomorrow after work!

I wasn't finding anything via search so I figured I'm doing something wrong.

I'll be using a 5 or 6 now, good idea.

shock/strut upper nuts

93GTosu

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Nova

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SVT32VDOHC

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squeak_cg

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93GTosu

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93GTosu

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shock/strut upper nuts

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