Was all excited to do struts. Thought I had all info I needed then was told to replace strut mounts. Went online to get mounts and saw stoppers and mounts, and nuts and bolts, and washers and spacers......HELP!!!!!!

What exactly do I need? What should I replace?

I am tired of talking about these struts and want to just do them already. Also thanks to all who have been helping me and bearing with me.... (heh heh bearing...get it?)

 

The strut mount with bearing. It is the rubber bushing with the bearing it the center that your struts damper rod slips through, part number 944.343.071.00. It stuffs up into the mount plate that has the four studs on it and bolts into your fender well. You most likely do not need that mount plate.

http://www.smartcart.com/Paragon/cgi...um=944_strutmt

You might also thing about getting the spacer for each side

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/.../4-02-00-9.jpg

and the stop ring for each side

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...4-02-00-15.jpg

Might want to replace the lock nuts for each strut too:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...4-02-00-17.jpg

The mounting plate is highlighted in this link and you do not need to replace it, most likely. You need the thing right below it in the picture, that is the bearing/bushing:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...4-02-00-11.jpg

 

So, not to be rude, are you having somebody else install the inserts and such for you or do you plan on doing this yourself? If you are doing the work do you know what you are getting into? Do you for intance know how you are going to remove the gland nut that holds the strut insert in each housing? Do you have spring compressors just in case?

 

Michael,

Thanks for the concern. I am taking this job on myself. I think I know what I am getting myself into but not too sure anymore. When I bought the car I said that I was going to do the work myself so here I go. Some things I read make it sound easy, others make it sound more difficult. I have spring compressors. As far as the glad nut thought it just screwed off. Is there a special tool or trick? I am thinking about just taking the whole assembly to a shop and letting them change the insert. Will see when I get it out of the car.

 

is the strut mount with bearing in addition to the mount plate. The first ling you gave me looks the same as what is highlighted in red on the last link you gave me.

 

Not to hijack this thread, but do you need to have a wheel alighment when you replace the strut mount?

 

Dan,

The link to Paragon has a photo of a late style mount with the bushing/bearing installed in the mount plate. When you order the part number I gave you all you will receive is the rubber bushing and bearing unit. I was afraid the photo might be confusing, sorry about that.

The gland nut screws off, but it sometimes gets kind of corroded in place. Soak the threads overnight with Blaster or Liquid Wrench if you need to. You can use a pipe wrench/monkey wrench to remove the gland nut but it will likely get knackered, so if you are concerned about aesthetics you may want to buy a set to replace what you remove. I have found a lockring wrench as used on a bicycle bottom bracket will do the job reasonably well, but it isn't perfect either.

Jon,

Yes, you should probably get an alignment. If your last good alignment was based on worn out bushings then when you put everything back together your alignment will be off. Reference mark everything before you take it so you can get it close when you put it back together, but still have a shop check it for you.

 

Is it possible the strut inserts came with a gland nut? On box there is a round cap looking thing with threads on the inside. ON the top is a plate with two notches opposite each other. it also came with lock nuts.

 

Yep, that's a good thing. New gland nuts and new lock nuts, you got that covered now.

 

Ok last thing (for now) Looks like the bushing under the red strut mount in the last link you gave me is the same as what you are talking about in the first link with part number 944.343.071.00. IS that correct?

 

Yeah. That thing under the red highlighted part is what you receive when you order part number 944.343.071.00. It is like a big hard rubber donut surrounding a metal insert with a bearing in the center. That is the upper bushing I mentioned before. That is what you need to replace.

 

Ok thanks. Think i am done being dense..... At least for now.

 

I spoke too soon. Dense again. Should i bother replacing the locking bolts and eccentric cam?

 

Wouldn't hurt. I don't like reusing fasteners like that, though I do in a pinch. Just picky that way I guess. If yours are original they are likely getting kind of crusty and should be replaced anyway. I wouldn't worry so much about the cam washer, just the bolts and locking nuts.

 

You are awesome!!!!!

Thanks Michael.