Strut Mount/Bearings OK to drive with only 2 of the 3 bolts?

[KenC]

On each strut mount (bearings) one of the damn bolts came out and I can't get it to seat while I'm screwing the nut on from the top. I can't think of what to do right now. Is it OK to drive with only 2 of the 3 bolts tight?

[robert325is]

ive been driving mine around w/ 1 bolt broken for about 8 months now, and I haven't had any problems... i managed to catch a few threads though

[KenC]

Yeah, it's on about 1/3 of the way so it's just really loose on there. I think I might try and put some epoxy around the base of it so it'll hold it when i try and put the nut on again.

[Stu]

It's straight Ken, for temporary purposes.

[KenC]

I covered my finger in duct tape and then put some epoxy on the end of it and reached up under and spread it around the base of the bolts. It worked on one of them, but I'm letting the other side cure over night to make sure there is a good hold.

[kowalski]

haha right on, i guess thats the easy way to fix it. but why dont you just go to the store and pick up some new bolts and put those in?

[KenC]

haha right on, i guess thats the easy way to fix it. but why dont you just go to the store and pick up some new bolts and put those in?

If you understood how shitt of a design the strut mount threads are then you'd realize that you can't just put a new bolt in.

I got new strutmounts anyhow and they're going in tomorrow morning.

[bimmer8604]

If you look at the bolts, they are textured much like a quarter is, with little grooves. You have to push them up from the underside and get them to catch on the strut. Its best if you can take your strut assymbly out and then put in a new stud.

Kyle

[KenC]

grooves = stripped.

but i got new mounts since my old bearings were toast.

[spud814]

hey Ken,

I guess if your mounts are stripped thats hopeless, but if they weren't you could hammer the old broken stud/bolt out and them just buy a new one and just put it in, when you put in the new bolt and tighten it, it will somehow just grove into the strut mount. I've done this before b/c one of my bolts broke. This is a cheaper fix then buying new mounts. Bolt at dealer was like 2 bux or something, i forgot, but cheap. And i've driven on 2 bolts for a about 2 months and it was fine, but i was driving pretty careful so yea, i guess take caution.