Strut Mount Tightening

[jmm3807]

So I have a strut mount that has came
loose. I'm just not sure why it has to be totally replaced and can't be tightened. I've attached a picture for opinions. I'm no mechanic or anything just wanted some input.
Bad Mount

Good Mount

 

[cabowally]

Single nut on top needs to be tightened to: Torque: 25 Nm (260 kgf-cm, 18 ft-lbf)


3 nuts on the upper side of the front shock absorber with coil spring: Torque: 64 Nm (650 kgf-cm, 47 ft-lbf)




.

 

[zopperman]

It can't be tightened down because the nut is out of thread. Whatever you do, don't take that nut off. You need to compress the spring and reassemble the assembly with the proper bushings

 

[jmm3807]

So I should go buy a wrench set and try to tighten it?

 

[zopperman]

So I should go buy a wrench set and try to tighten it?

no, bcause it's not going to work. the shock is gonna spin in place... because the nut is out of thread...

i had the same thing happen to mine...

does that washer jingle around when you drive?

 

[jmm3807]

Sorry didn't see the last reply. So basically a spring compressor and someone with the know how plus a replacement strut mount kit and I should be alright.

 

[zopperman]

Sorry didn't see the last reply. So basically a spring compressor and someone with the know how plus a replacement strut mount kit and I should be alright.

no worries. you may need bushings or seats, not sure exactly what is bad. check out a youtube video of how to assemble a coilover. You could try to tighten it down, but i highly highly doubt it's just a loose top nut.

 

[gm350reratliff]

It looks to me like the inner (bottom) bushing is toast. You don't need a spring compressor either. Yes, it makes life easier but I wouldn't say it's the only way as long as you have the right tools. Follow this guide, it will work even though your not lifting:
OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

 

[zopperman]

It looks to me like the inner (bottom) bushing is toast. You don't need a spring compressor either. Yes, it makes life easier but I wouldn't say it's the only way as long as you have the right tools. Follow this guide, it will work even though your not lifting:
OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

yeah, i guess you don't need one, it just would make it way easier.
that method is cool, basically using the movement of the suspension with a floor jack to compress the spring while leaving the top of the assembly in place?
you can use a ratchet strap to compress the spring...

 

[LTDSC]

try to tighten the top nut. use one of those open ratchet wrenches and a channel lock to hold the top post. I just did this to mine.

 

[zopperman]

try to tighten the top nut. use one of those open ratchet wrenches and a channel lock to hold the top post. I just did this to mine.

yeah in hindsight this is worth a shot. but don't be surprised if it just spins the shock like mine did...

 

[LTDSC]

yeah in hindsight this is worth a shot. but don't be surprised if it just spins the shock like mine did...

i just did it to mine, hold the channel locks tight with the squared off top post. It cant spin if you hold it and then itll tighten that nut down. Although the threads match in both pics so looks like something else is the problem.

 

[jmm3807]

I'm just wondering if this is a strut mount or strut issue? The strut seems fine. I just don't understand how it happened. Is there a plate that holds the strut a certain way or something.

 

[zopperman]

I'm just wondering if this is a strut mount or strut issue? The strut seems fine. I just don't understand how it happened. Is there a plate that holds the strut a certain way or something.

check out the exploded diagram i posted.

Shock is probably fine, just a hardware issue

 

[jmm3807]

It appears that whoever owned this 4runner before didn't have a clue. It had to have been doing this for a long time.

 

[HDshooter]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum but found it very helpful on this subject. I have an '04 4runner SR5 with 148k on it and just had the rear shocks and front struts replaced at a local independent shop. KYB was the replacement for the OEM units all around.

When I got the car back there was a jingling noise coming from the right front, like a loose washer. The shop (an honest place at least) couldn't detect the source, and hadn't heard it initially but I noticed the main washer above the right front strut bushing (above the strut housing) was loose.

I took it back and, after reading this post, asked them to look into their assembly and see if they were missing a washer or bushing internally. I just got it back and noticed the post sticking above the bolt on the right side (top of strut) is about 9 threads showing, while on the left side (the side that wasn't an issue) is still about 4 threads showing. Pics attached.

Are they supposed to be uneven? It looks like the shop just gave the nut a few more turns and didn't really examine their assembly. I don't care if it's not going to be an issue, but I'm concerned if the car ends up riding unevenly or is tighter on the right vs. left, etc.

Thoughts?

Thanks!!

 

[Rocket61]

They should be even. Think about it, they're assembled identically with the same parts. If there's a noticeable difference between the two sides in how much thread you see, obviously something (bushing probably) is worn out.