Firstly, the strut is held to the upper strut mount by a single nut. The upper strut mount is held to the chassis by 2 10mm (head) bolts. Getting the assembly out is a PITA.
However, I've had more than 10 yrs. of experience with these cars and I can tell you you're looking in the wrong place. CHECK THE SWAY BAR FIRST! There are rubber bushings that mate the end links to the main control arm (which fail early and often), sway bar bracket bushings (don't fail as much, but the brackets often do) and the end links have little rubber bushings molded around a metal inner sleeve which bolts up to the sway bar (they go often too). And while you're under the car check the sway bar bracket "sockets" which are poorly welded to the subframe. I've seen them fail (twisted and/or torn) with stock 18mm sway bars. Then when you add a bigger aftermarket bar, you've guaranteed that they'll be destoyed.
After you've checked this stuff, repost and we'll see.