Clunking front end - strut collar nut

[Andy348]

I've had a clunk in my front right every time I go over a bump for a while now. I searched and read that the strut collar nut often comes loose and causes this. On the clunking side I can turn the collar nut by hand easily, so I assume it's way too loose. My issue is tightening it. It seems to be spinning with the strut, but I could be wrong. I have the dust boots on them now (Bilstein Sports) so I can't tell for sure.

Is there a way to tighten the strut collar nut while it is in the car? And if so how do I do so without the shock spinning?

[nickmcc92]

Strut top nut: vise grips
Strut collar: hammer and chisel or screwdriver

[jlevie]

An impact wrench should work if the strut inserts are in good condition. But if the strut inserts are worn, a counter hold tool on the insert shaft and modified socket on the insert nut may be the only way to get them tight while the struts are on the car.

[36brua]

if the 'gland' or top nut has backed out of the strut tube (bottom of spring by perch) it may possible to fit a thin pipe wrench or large chanel locs in between the coils to tighten it up. Just did this on Koni's but car has GC coils so the spring are 'loose' when car is jacked up. If the nut has backed out all the way go easy until you're sure it has not cross threaded.
I'm not sure about the gland nut Bilsteins same ?

[Andy348]

Pulled up the boot, used a flathead and a hammer to tighten the collar nut up. Had a shop tighten the strut mount nut on both sides (they said they were loose).

Still clunks on the right side.

[nickmcc92]

Ok then for sure it's the strut mount.

[Andy348]

Meaning the strut mount is broken? Or something is loose? I replaced the strut mounts when I replaced everything else (less than 500km ago)

[mr ilia]

It could be just "broken" shock. Front right corner of any car always gets beat up more on the streets.

[mcaden]

The strut gland nut frequently backs out on bilsteins and some people even use locktite to avoid this. I have found that I can tighten the gland nut by jacking the car up (keeping the wheel on), pulling up dust boot, and tightening it between the springs using special bicycle thin wrench I bought for tightening bilsteins (I forget its official name). Glad you solved the problem... the same thing happened on my 2002.

-Marc

[nickmcc92]

Oh we'll if you replaced the mounts then idk. Other thing I can guess is the spacer under the strut collar is missing and the strut is moving up and down in the housing. Happened to me. Then again I don't have bilsteins.
Is it loud?

[lambo]

I have the same issue: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=278742

I haven't had time (or space) to look into it extensively...

[///digitalme]

I have the same clunk and same issues as you. I have replaced the strut mounts, wheel bearings, crontrol arm bushing. Today I found out what my clunk is. A cracked front subframe, make sure yours isn't broken

[theroundcow]

oof where did your subframe fail at?