Ruined my car :( ***CONTINUED***

[Gary406]

to change that bit at the top. its gonna be a strut out job. remve spring and shock . then remove spring from shock .

[Coxy]

What's the general concensus that this will cure my knocking when replaced and torqued correctly?

[FarmerPug]

knocking sounds like a worn rubber bushing. So if replaced yes the knocking should go.

[Coxy]

knocking sounds like a worn rubber bushing. So if replaced yes the knocking should go.

Bare in mind knocking only started after I removed and replaced the tp mount bolts when I attempted to install a strut brace, which I deeply regret and will not be doing again. I should leave things well alone!!

[FarmerPug]

when you (or a mechanic) gets the strut out for inspection the knocking source should show up.
But the strut brace is a good thing, i fitted one to my hdi and it made a really noticeable difference to the handling. I never touched a torque wrench.

[highlander]

Same here - no torque wrench, just a normal ratchet. And it did make a big difference to the handling. Hammer it so it will physically fit, then get the mechanic to pop it on once he's changed out the parts.

I reckon your top mounts were on the way out anyway, and didn't take too kindly to the extra strain of undoing stiff bolts.

[Gary406]

is it possibly you didnt aline the bolts properly before screwing them back in

i found mine to be out of line a little and the strut needed to be knocked a bit so the holes lined up.

did your bolts go in freely. mine went in with my hand to the bottom and then i tightened them up.

[FarmerPug]

they should go in by hand yes, if they are tight to start with you could have cross threaded.

[Coxy]

Wasn't tight at start, all bolts had seemed to go in fine

[lozz]

sorry to hear of your Nightmare,

whats the thread on the bolts like ?
have they been chewed,
if not try some different nuts the sort with Nylon lockers on the ends,

[Coxy]

Nuts? Bolts just screw into the top mount. Thread on one is knackered and hole it screws into, well basically no thread there.

On the left side one of the bolts wouldn't torque up so is no doubt ready to do the same, but as 2 of the did torque up and there's no knocking that side, I'm leaving well alone.

The strut brace is now going begging as I'm not pissing about with that anymore, wish I'd never bought the damn thing!

[craigtd]

if an MOT tester spots a bolt missing it will fail mind,you could cut the head of the bolt off and glue it in place on the good side but you did'nt hear that from me

[Gary406]

if an MOT tester spots a bolt missing it will fail mind,you could cut the head of the bolt off and glue it in place on the good side but you did'nt hear that from me

think i would rather get it fixed driving round knowing 1 is glued on.. not to mention the knocking it will cause.

[Coxy]

What missing bolt?

[steve_earwig]

This is all sounding a bit iffy to me

What are the chances of reacting up underneath and sticking nuts on the bottom? You'd probably have to remove the arch liners of course.