Lowering Spring Install Hangup

[Evan]

I've made at least ten attempts at getting the top of my strut assembly together but I fail each time.

The problem is after I have everything in place and the 19mm top nut tightened down, I can still wiggle the spring around and even dislodge it from the lower or upper spring pad. I know this cant be right but I can't correct it either.

1. Strut in tube
2. Torque new strut collar
3. Place lower spring pad (3mm)
4. Place protective cover with washer and bump stop.
5. Place spring
6. Place upper spring pad (3mm) and strut mount.
7. Place rubber/metal washer and start top nut
8. At this point, Ive tried compressing the spring and then torquing top nut... torquing top nut without spring compression... and all kinds of other ideas that didn't pan out

I've checked to make sure I have the proper springs and struts and the part numbers check out.

I've literally been doing this over and over for days because I'm insane... I keep getting the same result.

All ideas are welcome.

Cheers,
Evan in Maryland

[gale]

Do you still have the stock spring on the other side? If so, temporarily disconnect the swaybar link to let each side compress independently.

[Evan]

I have the car up and both sides disassembled. I haven't installed the struts on the car yet... I must be missing something obvious

[Mr Project]

What combo of spring and strut insert are you using? I've had short aftermarket springs (on other cars) that could slop around when the suspension was unloaded. They were just short enough that they didn't 'spring' the strut shaft all the way out. As long as it seats ok when the suspension is loaded, it shouldn't be a problem unless you do dukes-of-hazzard-style driving all the time.

Are you able to hold the strut shaft with an allen wrench while you tighten the 19mm nut?

I usually use an air impact wrench...do you have access to an impact?

[Evan]

I'm using KYB with H&R springs.

i do have air tools... all the stuff I need. I have an allen and a 19mm wrench... I guess this is how they go in but it seems so w r o n g

[Mr Project]

Other than probably ending up with a ride quality that is underdamped...I think you're probably ok as-is. The KYB's probably just have a longer shaft throw than the spring height. Not ideal but probably not the end of the world.

[Evan]

You're right on the money.

I'm pretty unhappy about it... but I won't throw them away and buy Koni just yet... I'll drive them for a few thousand miles

[Evan]

ok I changed my mind.. I need to get rid of these and get new struts...


all of this to save $70 on a car I've invested over $10K in........................

[ILoveMPower]

Sorry for your troubles, but I'm sure you'll love the Koni's!

[Triton540i]

I love my Koni suspension!!!!