Ok - what's the best way to tighten the top nut on the strut insert?

[jeffnhiscars]

well, I don't see how that's relevant to actually using an impact, since they denied your claim without even seeing anything. unless you do something really stupid you're not going to shear the shaft off (unless it's just going to break anyway). :p

I wont say Ive never done anything stupid...why just the other day I....well..never mind that ;)

I had it on the ground with channel locks on the tube, had the nut half off when it started getting harder to turn. I tightened it half a turn in case there was some grit in there then started to unscrew it again when it sheered. Not a great deal of force so I assumed it was defective and that I would have no issue making a claim. I didnt see that as stupid but Bilstein insisted it was nothing on them. Trust me I did not just accept their stand.

Next time I'll find a noob with an impact gun since clearly thats all thats needed to get the nut off

[nando]

you're probably safer with an electric - mine can only do about 60 ft/lbs which is enough to hold it on and isn't going to damage it.

[nando]

19mm = 3/4", or close enough to it with a 6-point socket

Use a standard sparkplug socket like this:


Insert the allen wrench down the middle, but a box end wrench on the socket and tighten it right up.

that's a good idea actually. I have like 10 different spark plug sockets I could try. But some don't have an allen wrench at the end. mine have like a 7mm hex knob which obviously isn't going to hold much torque. Which is why I reccomend the electric - you don't need them all that tight anyway.

[MR 325]

make sure the car is on the ground, then pull out the impact gun and get the job done.

I do mine without the strut housing even in the car.

I've NEVER once used the allen to keep one from rotating either.

You guys are really over-complicating this.

[acolella76]

you're probably safer with an electric - mine can only do about 60 ft/lbs which is enough to hold it on and isn't going to damage it.

60 ft/lbs should be more than plenty. It's not like that nut holds the entire car together. As long as it doesn't make noise it's good. If you guys are stripping the hex broach on the top shaft, you are tightening it way too much.

[cabin]

Pass-thru ratchet, if you don't have access to air tools.

[jeffnhiscars]

60 ft/lbs should be more than plenty. It's not like that nut holds the entire car together. As long as it doesn't make noise it's good. If you guys are stripping the hex broach on the top shaft, you are tightening it way too much.

Spec is either 19 or 34ft/lbs (I dont recall which) so it doesnt take much to hold it in place. It is definitely not 60.