Strut top nut?

[88schwarz]

Can anyone tell me at what point I tighten the top nut on the front struts.

This would be the nut that screws down onto the shaft of the strut insert.

Before its on the car or after?

I am installing bilstein sports and h&R race with IE camber plates. Ive heard that you will need to hold the shaft of the strut or insert an allen wrench into the end of the shaft to hold it. Any tips?

Many thanks.

[jlevie]

It makes no difference whether you tighten the before or after the strut is installed in car. You will need to hold the strut shaft while tightening the nut. The Bilstein Sports shocks I have provide flats on the shaft for a wrench.

[88schwarz]

Many thanks!

[MR 325]

Use an impact gun or have a shop tighten them. Tighten as much as they go.

[Sagaris]

Wont the strut mount bearing bind up if you snug them down real tight with an impact gun? I have mine set at 2 quick zips with the gun after I can no longer move the washer (between the nut and the ball bearing) with a flathead screwdriver.

[88schwarz]

I didn't have any luck with the impact gun. The shaft still spun and just twisted up the dust boot. I am going to try getting a long allen wrench and sticking it through a socket into the end of the strut shaft and then turning the socket with vise grips. will let you know...

[MR 325]

Wont the strut mount bearing bind up if you snug them down real tight with an impact gun? I have mine set at 2 quick zips with the gun after I can no longer move the washer (between the nut and the ball bearing) with a flathead screwdriver.

If it's binding up you are missing a washer or have it in the wrong place. It should not do that no matter how tight.

[MR 325]

I didn't have any luck with the impact gun. The shaft still spun and just twisted up the dust boot. I am going to try getting a long allen wrench and sticking it through a socket into the end of the strut shaft and then turning the socket with vise grips. will let you know...

Ok, I've only done it 20 times or so. ;)