Front endlink strut mount hole ?
 

I have had a front end clunk for many years. Recently, it became apparent the sway bar end links were in need of replacement. I replaced them today, and the hole in both of the strut mounting tabs were oblong, but symetrical side to side. Is this the way they are supposed to be? Or are they supposed to be only a round hole just the size of the end link bolt? If the are supposed to be round, how can I repair the problem? Thanks. I went ahead and mounted the end links as best I could tightening the bolt as best I could in the top most portion of the hole.
I am having trouble loading pictures. I will post this and try to post the pics later.
Bill

Re: Front endlink strut mount hole ?
 

Here are pics.

Re: Front endlink strut mount hole ?
 

You're OK. That's normal.

Glenn

Re: Front endlink strut mount hole ?
 

Correct it is an obround hole.

Re: Front endlink strut mount hole ?
 

Thanks for the replies. It is good to know that the hole is supposed to be oblong. Seems like a strange design. Do most people do as I did and try and tighten the bolt in the upper part of the hole?
Bill

Re: Front endlink strut mount hole ?
 

From memory I didn't have the option to tighten it on the low end of the slot...it would only fit at the top...not sure why it's slotted then.

Re: Front endlink strut mount hole ?
 

You guys who can confirm it is a oblong hole, did you observe that shape in an old used strut housing, or one that was brand new?
Bill

Re: Front endlink strut mount hole ?
 

The set I removed from the car was original with the car and the ones I replaced them with was used but the same config.

Re: Front endlink strut mount hole ?
 

Those mounts are slotted so that you can remove any preload that the bar and links have.
You get the car on a level flat floor, loosen both mounts, bounce the car a bit to let the bar center, then tighten both mounts.

Harvey.

Re: Front endlink strut mount hole ?
 

Thanks guys, though I am not sure how I would gain access to the nuts to tighten them with the wheels on and ahte car on the ground. But I have not tried yet, maybe it would be no big deal. If you turn the wheel to full lock, would that change the preload on the bar?
Bill

Re: Front endlink strut mount hole ?
 

Not sure what you are asking, but Harvey I believe is saying...if you have to take the wheel off....remove the end link nut...put wheel back on...bounce the car a few times...remove wheel...tighten nut on link again...put wheel back on.

Is that correct?

Re: Front endlink strut mount hole ?
 

Yes that would raise one side of the bar, and drop the other, to twist the bar.

Harvey.

Re: Front endlink strut mount hole ?
 

Yes I can see the problem there, you would have to jack the wheel up, to remove the wheel, and that would twiste the bar.:D
As long as the load is the same, on both sides when you tighten the nuts, so that the bar is in a relaxed state.

Harvey.

Re: Front endlink strut mount hole ?
 

Yes, that is what I did, with the car in the air, with both wheels off and the suspension in full droop on both sides, placing the bolts in the upper most portion of the slot.
Thanks for all input.
Bill