Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension What the f%#!

Just installed new Spax struts from BAT W/ H&R's. Problem is that little round bushing thats under the hood on strut tower bulge sits up about 1/4". Is this normal? Everything is tightened down properly

Thinking about it, something I noticed different about new strut is that the threads on new strut shaft are about 1/4 to 1/2" shorter than the stock one. It was someting I noticed right away but asssumed everything would be fine once they were on. Now, there are 2 nuts on the strut assy. One that secures the rubber strut mount and compresses the spring(ford refers to this one as the thrust bearing retaining nut), the other one is the one under the hood on the top mount. I'm wondering if maybe the thrust bearing retaining nut isn't supposed to be used with the new strut. How else could the shorted thread length be expained? If anyone has any idea please chime in. Otherwise I'll give BAT a call in Morning. I just hope the damn suspension doesn't have to come apart again- what a PITA!!!

There is something about using different nuts. Umm I can't remember which ones I used. I think I used the stock, but on one side had to use one laying around the shop I was using because the other stock one was stripped. That's what I THINK I did. There was still some gap but it seems to be gone now.

Can't you reach both nuts from under the hood. IIRC you can. Would have to have the wheels off the ground though I think.

I think I can get at both nuts. The top nut should come off, then the top mount thingy, and hopefully i can get at the lower one without pulling the whole strut assy. It seems like a smaller nut would take care of the issue, but i'll give BAT a call to see. If I leave it this way I can already see that the front wheels are kicked out(toe?) and will cause major tire probs. and I don't know if it can be aligned with the way it is. We'll see??!!

Yeah, the nuts that come with the spax are nylock and are a bit taller. Anytime you lower a car you have to get it aligned. You may or may not be able to get it properly aligned. If you can't, then you'll need camber plates.

Well, I repalced the lower nut with one 1/4" shorter and that took care of it. Car is at shop right now getting alignment and some fresh ATE superblue. Hope all goes well . Thanks all!!

Maybe it would be worthwhile to note this in the FAQ post for other who might end up in this situation???

I had the same problem with a gap after installing a BAT kit on my car.

I ended up pulling everything apart. I used a shorter retaining nut on the strut, and I also replaced the upper strut mounts. No more gap and everything looks as it should.

To anybody replacing your struts/springs, spend a couple hundred more dollars and do a complete overhaul with new struts, springs, strut mounts, lower control arms, sway bar links, and bushings. Also think about replacing the inner and outer tie rods if your car is approaching the 100K mark.

It's a PITA to do the spring/strut job, but replacing a bunch of worn out suspension components doesn't require a whole lot more work. You'll be rewarded with a car that feels better than new and all set for another 100K.