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

[Coxy]

Well tried fitting a strut brace, wasn't close to fitting so removed it. Next time I drove it there was a knocking noice from drivers side front suspension, too much of a coincidence surely that I had removed and replaced those torx bolts. Someone suggeted they maybe weren't tight enough and informed me the correct torque of 40nm. Well now one of those bolts has totally stripped, and I think another 2 won't reach 40nm.

Why is this happening?! Does this also reconfirm the most likely cause of the knocking?

I now either have to replace what they bolt into (what part is that please?) or drill slightly bigger and rethread.

Bloomin' nightmare!!!

[craigtd]

that will be the strut top mate.

[Coxy]

Would it be part number 503866? I assume I don't have varaiable suspension or how do I check? I don't have a sport button if that helps.

Number 5 in diagram?

[craigtd]

cant see the diagram mate, but your suspension is just standard.you will have to take the complete strut out and you will have to compress the coil spring to replace the strut top.

[steve_earwig]

Holy crap I got those figures straight out of Haynes (perhaps that was the mistake) and 30lbf ft isn't that much tbh. Did you use different bolts perhaps? There was some mention of using longer ones somewhere.

I think I'd try to tap them, the only alternative is to replace the top mounts anyway.

[craigtd]

part 5 in the diagram mate

[Coxy]

Well I don't have the tools to thread the hole or bolts, so would need to buy them.

To be on the safe side I will just buy the top mount which is new for under £50. More expensive this way but better piece of mind, and I can fit it myself.

Hopefully the diagram works now, I just want to be sure that's the part I need .. 503866.

[steve_earwig]

I think you'd have noticed the gubbins for the variable suspension on top of the strut.

503866 - there can be only one

[craigtd]

you can get them on ebay mate for £38 item number 320606393082

[Gary406]

how the hell did you round these bolts off.

i tightened mine till my friggin arm was sore. and they did not round off.

you must have been using a huge ratchet ??????

[FarmerPug]

ill continue on what gary said, i tightened them as much as i could even used the extension bar and they didnt snap.

[Coxy]

Nope not a huge ratchet. Then when still had clonking I moved to using torque wrench, then discovered the problem.

[Coxy]

you can get them on ebay mate for £38 item number 320606393082

Cheers I looked on eBay but missed that, however if I can pick one up tomorrow for a few squid more I will as after that I'm working every day and I want it sorted asap really.

[Coxy]

Gonna tackle it tomorrow, what's involved in getting at it to replace?

[omega]

think ive got a 2nd hand spare in the shed.