problem with Koni inserts
10-20-2003, 10:16 PM
#1
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problem with Koni inserts
I installed the koni strut inserts a few months ago. The nut that tightens the strut to the strut mount keeps coming loose. I bought a very deep socket so that I could tighten the nut without touching any other part of the strut. Am I tightening this part right?
I put new rubber in the old 86 strut mounts that were on the car. It seems like when I turn the strut mount plate is not turning with the strut and loosening that nut. Do I need to upgrade to the 87 mounts with the bearing center? Is there something wrong with the mounts that I have?
Has anybody else run into this??
I put new rubber in the old 86 strut mounts that were on the car. It seems like when I turn the strut mount plate is not turning with the strut and loosening that nut. Do I need to upgrade to the 87 mounts with the bearing center? Is there something wrong with the mounts that I have?
Has anybody else run into this??
10-21-2003, 12:12 AM
#2
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Ya, bump this up. I have the same question. On my 85.5NA I can twist by hand the large washer which is the top of the strut mount. This is at rest ie. car parked on a flat surface. The nut on the end of the strut is tight but should it be tighter? Or is the strut mount worn so that the nut is just at the bottom of its threads? I have the OEM inserts which were changed out by the PO about 30K ago.
10-21-2003, 01:09 PM
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The nut on the top of the struts has to be tight. There is a special socket to tighten them. A deep thick walled socket with the side milled out. This is to give you access to the allen socket or the square head on the end of the shock insert.
Also the nut is a self locking nut. New inserts usually come with new ones. If not you can use a large hammer and whack the beveled side of the nut a few times before you put it back on.
Also the nut is a self locking nut. New inserts usually come with new ones. If not you can use a large hammer and whack the beveled side of the nut a few times before you put it back on.
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10-21-2003, 03:21 PM
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The socket is the same as one used for a lot of VW's...I have one, the brand is Saltus part number 3078...I bought it back when I had an '85 GTI...it worked fine on my '87 NA...
Steve
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10-21-2003, 05:17 PM
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The nut that comes with new Konis is meant to be used with the supplied lock washer. The original nut is either a crimp nut or Nylock - these do require only a flat washer. If you are using the Koni nut, be sure to use the lock washer and tighten to specified torque (57 ftlbs).
The special socket described earlier may be need if you do not have the proper angled wrench (usually a modified version of a Craftsman or similar). The special tool is ST4491A:
Though all of the instructions warn against using an impact wrench to tighten the top nut, I've never had a problem... and, have done quite a few of them. Caveat Emptor...
Good Luck!
The special socket described earlier may be need if you do not have the proper angled wrench (usually a modified version of a Craftsman or similar). The special tool is ST4491A:
Though all of the instructions warn against using an impact wrench to tighten the top nut, I've never had a problem... and, have done quite a few of them. Caveat Emptor...
Good Luck!