Loose strut nut
 

I have had a rattle coming from the rear drivers side and just checked the nut that comes into the interior where the speakers are. Sure enough the left rear nut (17mm) was loose. The right side was tight. I turned it but it did not tighten. Just spinning the whole thing. I assume I have to hold something under the car to get it to tighten. Anybody had to do this? When I first had my Koni and lowering springs put on I had to take it back and they tightened it but not sure how exactly how he did it. That was years ago. I was ready to order new rear upper mounts. Maybe I don't have to. I want to get this tight and check the noise again. Any advice on this appreciated. Thanks.

Mike:)

Re: Loose strut nut
 

On both stock struts, and Koni's you have to hold the strut piston shaft from turning with an allen wrench.

Re: Loose strut nut
 

I had a handle welded to a socket so I could get an allen wrench through he center. I guess a vice grip would work for a handle in a pinch but after removing the rear shelf, I wanted assurance I wouldn't have to do it again.

Re: Loose strut nut
 

For $20 this makes it easier;
http://www.harborfreight.com/21-piec...set-67974.html

Plus it's handy is other places also, and it's not too hard to find a 20% coupon for HF.

Re: Loose strut nut
 

Got one from sears for $40 :(

Re: Loose strut nut
 

I am confused by this tool. How does the wrench hold the socket?

Re: Loose strut nut
 

The sockets have wrench flats on them, much like a spark plug socket. The ratchet is a ratcheting wrench of that size.

Re: Loose strut nut
 

Did you get the "Gear Wrench" brand? Ben has those, I think they are nicer than the HF ones.

Re: Loose strut nut
 

My eyes must be going but I don't see flats on the outside. All I see is one of those spring loaded ball bearings.

Re: Loose strut nut
 

I went back and looked at the pic, yeah it's not real clear, but the flats are on the bottom in that picture.

Re: Loose strut nut
 

Yes. I need to find more occasions to use them. I' waiting for my everyday set to poop out.

Re: Loose strut nut
 

Thanks for all the reply's on this. I tried to tighten it using vise grips on the socket and an allen wrench holding the stem in place but the nut would not move. I had a very tight hold of the socket but it would not budge. Maybe the threads/nut need to be loosened with something. Maybe a shop would have better tools to do this. I'll call and see. Thanks again.

Mike:)

Re: Loose strut nut
 

Blue Thunder, do you have stock struts, or Koni's?

Re: Loose strut nut
 

Yes sorry for the delay. I have Koni struts all around. I took my car yesterday to a shop so they could get it on a lift and check the rear struts. They definitely said that the left rear upper mount and the rubber piece below it are shot. He moved the wheel up and down. I guess I am resigned to get new upper mounts. I have another question. I went to 1stsubaruparts.com and can get each one for 71.00. They have an illustration they're and the picture shows the upper mount and below it the upper back. Is this the rubber piece I need? Do I need to order it separately? Also I read on another post that this rubber piece may have sat on a shelf for a long time and it may not be in good shape. Is OEM the best way to go for replacement? Any feedback on this appreciated. Thanks.

Mike:)

Re: Loose strut nut
 

Simply hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard down and at the same time push the plus (+) key "over and over" till you get the graphic large enough to easily see the way the sockets are made. The top ones are the more obvious.

Keith:cool: