Problems installing rear struts

[newlano]

I installed two new rear struts. The problem is they are rattling. The top lock nut on the strut will not go down all the way, even after using an impact wrench on it. Shoild i retry with springs slightly compressed or not compressed to get nut down as far as it will go, I don't want to damage the struts as the center rod just spins when i try to tighten it.
Any suggestions ?

thanks in advance !

Glenn

[shogun]

What brand / type was in before and what brand / type did you install now?
Are they different? OEM or after market?
Do they fit your model year?

[Scott C]

I installed two new rear struts. The problem is they are rattling. The top lock nut on the strut will not go down all the way, even after using an impact wrench on it. Shoild i retry with springs slightly compressed or not compressed to get nut down as far as it will go, I don't want to damage the struts as the center rod just spins when i try to tighten it.
Any suggestions ?

thanks in advance !

Glenn
Some of the new locking nuts have really aggressive locking devices which make them very hard to get on. I just went through this with my thrust arms. So, this may be a big part of your problem. Take the new nuts and screw them fully on to the old shocks (or any stud that has the same thread) - let the nut stay compressed for 30 min or so and then put them back on the new ones as quickly as permissable. (In any case, make sure you have the spring properly contained / compressed before removing the nut!)

Just a thought.

Scott

[Mobius]

I don't want to damage the struts as the center rod just spins when i try to tighten it.Well yeah... The shaft either has a hex end on it, or a hole to fit an allen key with which the shaft is held stationary while the bolts are tightened. Excessively spinning the shaft CAN damage the strut.

[Kalevera]

Hi Glenn.

Aaah! You don't want to use an impact wrench on a strut nut -- it's an easy way to break something.

Here you go...read this:

http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?postid=68264#post68264

best, whit

[632 Regal]

sure you put it all back together correctly? First time I read about a problem like this!