Cross nut on front strut--does it matter which way?

Turbolena · Post by **Turbolena** » 17 May 2020, 23:21

I am wondering if I need to pull the strut and flip that cross nut around . It is laying flat. Does anybody know if the cross is up or down really matters?
I was rushing the job as I am trying to finish many car repairs and projects rather than move all those parts.

Post by **darrylrobert** » 18 May 2020, 01:58

the flat part goes up against the large washer. You can see the outline on the said washer. Its not possible to use the tool if its the wrong way..

Turbolena · Post by **Turbolena** » 18 May 2020, 18:35

The tool tightened it as far as it would go down, with no play...so the cross goes down against the seat, or the cross lays against the upper washer? just to clarify. Thanks

crlande · Post by **crlande** » 18 May 2020, 18:57

FCP has video showing cross nut position.

Post by **darrylrobert** » 18 May 2020, 21:28

cross lays against the upper washer.

Post by **cn90** » 22 May 2020, 08:29

With car on the ground and spring compressed, I think you can safely remove and flip the cross nut in situ.

I use a pair of right-angle pliers...

SwedishMadeFunBrick · Post by **SwedishMadeFunBrick** » 27 Dec 2024, 09:43

cn90 wrote: 22 May 2020, 08:29 With car on the ground and spring compressed, I think you can safely remove and flip the cross nut in situ.

I use a pair of right-angle pliers...

You can do it while it's still in the car? I need to do this on my 98 v70r(mine aren't flipped,instead, for some reason I cannot figure out, I guess I decided to replace my front struts and maybe use what came with the struts? Not a cross nut just a lock nut of sorts. I hope it came with the struts at least I really don't remember).

Anyway, I got the cross nuts and want to install them this way but also just read that you can't do it in the car lest the shock protrude or some such.

Post by **erikv11** » 27 Dec 2024, 13:45

Yes, in-car is no problem. Don't close the hood and go for a drive during the job, though

This thread talks about the top nut viewtopic.php?t=78217 but you can remove the cross nut too. Basically, the body of the car is serving as a huge, spring compressor.