Strut keeps coming loose - still happens :(

[Stefan]

I have an odd problem I can't quite figure out.

I installed inserts into my struts with spacers underneath (thick steel tubing). They were fine for a while but then the inserts become loose inside the strut after driving on rough roads, especially on the left side (would clunk on potholes). Apparently it is normal for spacers to compress slightly, so I took struts out, inserts were indeed a little loose inside the strut, re-tightened gland nuts. Car was fine for a while then left one became a little loose again. Figured spacer material wasn't quite good enough, so took struts out again and instead used big ratchet sockets with an OD that sits exactly inside the nodules at the base of the insert.

Thought i had solved the problem but the same thing is starting to happen again on the left side. It is defiantly not a problem with the spacers. I do remember the left gland nut being odd as I was tightening it - a little stiff then looser, stiff then looser - but it did tighten up properly. I'm guessing the thread is a bit worn on either the left strut or the gland nut...

* Is it possible for a gland nut to work itself loose?
* Should I use locktite or something on the threads?
* Any other ideas?

[YLD-16L]

as I was tightening it - a little stiff then looser, stiff then looser.....

I know you said it tightened up properly but it really does sounds like the thread is stripped, remove the gland nut and check it to be sure.

It's more likely a thread problem than a continual compression of the spacers.

[Stefan]

Yes, no chance of these spacers compressing (19mm hardened chrome vanadium, or whatever they make sockets out of). If the thread on the strut is stripped, rather than the nut, is locktite a viable solution?

[30psi 4agte]

If you do pull the strut out again. put the nut in the strut by its self and tighten it up by its self.

If you can do it up all the way without the nut stripping you should be ok there.

Is it possible that it is the wrong nut / slightly different thread ?

[30psi 4agte]

The bottom isnt falling out of the strut ????? causing freeplay

IE is it cracked / damaged at the bottom. Have a carefull look .

[Stefan]

Good idea. Both nuts are the same though, and the right side is fine.

[YLD-16L]

^^ good point about the bootom of the strut possibly separating - definitely check for that.

I wouldn't use loctitie to try and correct the issue of a stripped thread, not in that situation anyway.

[Stefan]

The bottom isnt falling out of the strut ????? causing freeplay

IE is it cracked / damaged at the bottom. Have a carefull look .

Certainlly hope not, and shoudln't think so they've been properly acid dipped/coilovered/painted.

[30psi 4agte]

How has the coilover thread been attached to the strut....... welded ?? Is that part of the strut ok ?

It almost souds like the the strut is being streched / lengthened from here.

It may pay to measure both struts to see if they are the same length .

[Joshstix]

Were the strut housings also converted for short stroke when they got the coil over conversion done?

[Stefan]

Given that the nut was odd when it was tightened.. loose then tight.. I'd say that it is a thread problem with either the strut or the nut.

Struts were professionally (rally team) shortened and mig welded, some of the nicest welds I have seen, so I think they are ok.

[thechuckster]

at a guess, i'd say you're pushing the bottom of the strut insert over the spacer (or inside the spacer seeing as you say it's a tube) - what does the bottom of the insert look like when you removed it?

[oldcorollas]

Certainlly hope not, and shoudln't think so they've been properly acid dipped/coilovered/painted.

hoping isn't enough

see if you can see any seperation happening...

[Stefan]

Were the strut housings also converted for short stroke when they got the coil over conversion done?

Absolutely. Shortened to suit rear SW20 inserts, but I'm using front ones which are 20mm shorter again. If anyone is interested, here are pics:





I think I have fixed this now. Thanks to all who offered suggestions. Absolutely no problem with the struts themselves, the spacer was a bit short, so the gland nut was bottoming out and the strut seemed tight but wasn't quite tight enough. Added a thick washer and seems heaps better. We'll see.

[Yian]

Granted I'm not running coil-overs, but my nut keeps coming loose too. Spacers underneath sw20 kybs. Right side though... ??