Rear Passenger Strut Tower (WTF)

**Thompsju** · 11-06-2013

Dude. I'm gonna die if I ever do drive this car again...

They took the studs out of the rear passenger strut cap, somehow, and replaced it with 10mm flange bolts (12.9).

Probably a lazy strut replacement because they couldn't get clearance over the stud in the trunk?

I know this because I was TRYING to install a strut tower brace (with Don's brackets) , but I can't with this setup...

What do? Longer bolt and be okay with it?

Order 3 10mm studs and apply red loctite to the lowers?

Yes, I know there's rust. Yes, I removed one of the bolts after I finished crying.

**Thompsju** · 11-06-2013

Also, shouldn't there be a "stopper" on the bottom, threaded from the outside?

Then a 10mm locknut fastened to the top?

Something like this?

**Thompsju** · 11-06-2013

Or order a new strut cap from RockAuto?

I'm not sure if I have the mechanical skill to do Struts yet.

**MrPoopyButthole** · 11-06-2013

The bolts are "riveted" into the mount and then a nut from the top locks it into place.

This looks like someone has bolts going down into the wheel well on the other 2 holes, I would just do the same for the 3rd for now until it absolutely necessary to replace the top mount.

**Bio248** · 11-06-2013

replacing the top mount would take 3 hours of your time.

you'll need a spring compressor and an impact.

**Thompsju** · 11-06-2013

There are threads in the mount. (M10 x 1.5)

This won't cause any damage, as studs operate differently than bolts, will it?

I'd like to replace with a 10mm stud. I'll have to replace that bolt anyways to be able to get Don's brace installed.

**MrPoopyButthole** · 11-06-2013

I've seen people run a bolt up through the mount and use a nut on the other end to hold a strut mount in place, Bolts can break so it is a quick and easy solution, I don't see anything wrong with it (and a little blue loctite). Especially if you have been running around with just 2 out or 3 mounting bolts bolted down.

**ericspecullaas** · 11-06-2013

Originally Posted by Bio248

replacing the top mount would take 3 hours of your time.

you'll need a spring compressor and an impact.

are you talking about all 4 or just 2?

**Bio248** · 11-06-2013

i was giving you extra time. i would pop that one strut off, change the top hat and slap it back in the car in under an hour. i've done it a few times.

**BillBoost37** · 11-06-2013

I would replace the mount or get longer bolts. Never seen bolts back there.

**Thompsju** · 11-06-2013

I took one of the bolts off (out of disbelief).

It was a m10 x 20 and didn't even reach the end of the ####### strut mount threads.

I replaced them with black oxide flange bolts which already had a locking compound applied to it (via manufacture).

It's very strange, and it was only done to one tower (rear passenger side). I'm trying to piece it together.

As per the rest of the maintenance done to this vehicle (previous), this is actually up to par with some of the other ridiculous lazy #### done to this car.

I'm guessing whoever did the strut replacement (1 strut?) didn't want to fight with the ZERO trunk clearance that the studs involved, so he just did it this way.

It's clear now that the guy who sold it to me just threw a bunch of #### together to make the car look good to sell.

An example of yet another surprise I found yesterday. I trying to get the passenger front fender to line up, couldn't do it, so I took the headlight out to investigate further.

**BillBoost37** · 11-06-2013

It's likely wrong that I'm laughing.

**Bio248** · 11-06-2013

that clamp is fabulous.

**dsmuts** · 11-06-2013

That clamp is amazing but just take 1/2 an hour and swap the strut mount

**WhiteLightningGTP** · 11-06-2013

Hmmm....

**Thompsju** · 11-06-2013

Thanks for all the input guys.

Is that considered a body mod?

That clamp is so rusted I can't get it off. I'll probably order the white plastic piece they replaced and just cut it off.

Will I need a spring compressor to swap the mount? Should I do both?

Also, do you know of any good strut tower reinforcement brackets?

**Scottydoggs** · 11-06-2013

you need a air gun to get the nut off 99% of the time. or take them off the car then drop them off at a front end shop, i had my front mounts changed for 30 bucks, for the pair.