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So I replaced the struts (Koni Streets), springs (BaVAuto), top hats and control arm drop links on my 87 Cabrio. I got the Real oem chart and ordered all of the correct washers and bits to re-assemble correctly. All of the required washers are in place. I tightened the struts to the top hats by putting the entire assembly in a vise and used a hex key through a socket to hold the strut shaft while using a pipe wrench on the outside of the socket. I tightened as much as I could without breaking the hex key. After install, I get a clunk going over any bumps from both sides of the front end. the control arms are tight with new drop links, also tight. I suspect the top hats are not tight enough. Putting one hand on the top hats while pushing up and down on the front end reveals a discernible clunk. I searched this Forum and found a thread that says to use an impact wrench while holding the strut shaft with a vise grip. The install instructions on Pelican Parts says do not use an impact wrench.
Two questions: Should i use an impact to tighten the top hats? Can I do it with the assembly in the car, or do I have to take it all out?
Thanks in advance
So I replaced the struts (Koni Streets), springs (BaVAuto), top hats and control arm drop links on my 87 Cabrio. I got the Real oem chart and ordered all of the correct washers and bits to re-assemble correctly. All of the required washers are in place. I tightened the struts to the top hats by putting the entire assembly in a vise and used a hex key through a socket to hold the strut shaft while using a pipe wrench on the outside of the socket. I tightened as much as I could without breaking the hex key. After install, I get a clunk going over any bumps from both sides of the front end. the control arms are tight with new drop links, also tight. I suspect the top hats are not tight enough. Putting one hand on the top hats while pushing up and down on the front end reveals a discernible clunk. I searched this Forum and found a thread that says to use an impact wrench while holding the strut shaft with a vise grip. The install instructions on Pelican Parts says do not use an impact wrench.
Two questions: Should i use an impact to tighten the top hats? Can I do it with the assembly in the car, or do I have to take it all out?
Thanks in advance
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