Installed a set of Bilstein 6112s yesterday, was the first time I replaced a strut assembly. I tightened down the top hat and bushings while on the spring compressor nice and snug. However, after driving on them for 50 miles I've developed a very pronounced rattle in the front. I went to check on the bushings/washers this morning and they are movable by hand. Did I goof this up?

Picture of how the setup sits now.



Any suggestions on a remedy?

Kinda late now, but you should have taken photos before you started!

No instructions? No notes taken as to how the other ones were configured?

This is what the top of mine looks like.
I'm pretty sure you placed your Lower Cushion Retainers in the wrong place!
You may have DAMAGED your Sub Assembly Supports.

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It looks to me like you have an extra washer under the top bushing that should not be there. I wonder if that means you are missing a washer on the bottom bushing.

Also, 4Runners do not have struts. Why does everyone call them struts?

Thank you. That is a huge pet peeve of mine.

Coil-over shock assembly in a double wishbone suspension


Macpherson strut assembly

Wording like this doesn't help any either......

Genuine Original Equipment Replacement Parts 2014 Toyota 4Runner SR5
All Vehicles - 2014 - Toyota - 4Runner - SR5 - FRONT SUSPENSION - FRONT SUSPENSION - STRUTS & COMPONENTS
All Vehicles - 2014 - Toyota - 4Runner - SR5 - FRONT SUSPENSION - FRONT SUSPENSION - STRUTS & COMPONENTS

Thanks for all the info guys. I guess sometimes you have to learn the hard way. At the shop getting everything corrected. Expensive mistake but at least I'll know for the next time.

OK, I'm having a similar issue on my driver side front, but mine are installed exactly as you have them pictured @Saker . I've installed, removed, and reinstalled but I'm still getting the rattle from the top washer/retainer. I can't tell if my lock nut isn't bottoming out or threading correctly, or if I have a problem elsewhere. Should I add a shim to the top to help compress the washer on the bushing?

Everything has been installed per the instructions from Bilstein, and it's identical to what I did on the passenger side, except that side has no issue. The passenger side has more preload as I'm at a clip higher on that side to offset the passenger lean I had. This was recommended in Bilstein's instructions, so I don't think that could be the cause.

I'm really at a loss for why it won't compress completely.