Does this look right to you?

Jazzer · Post by **Jazzer** » 05 Apr 2017, 15:28

Hi guys,
I got my struts replaced last November along with new mounts, etc. on my 96 850 wagon. Now that it's springtime, I'm just noticing now that the struts seem to be sitting kinda high...it also looks like the top washer is upside-down; if so, is that repairable without removing the entire assembly? There is also a gap that doesn't look right, but that may be because of the top washer being inverted. Ideas?

Bob

Post by **misha** » 05 Apr 2017, 15:36

Just undo that upper bolt and install the washer properly.

Post by **erikv11** » 05 Apr 2017, 16:40

There is supposed to be a gap even when the washer is on the right way. Yes the washer is upside down and what misha said - go ahead and turn it over.

I can't be certain from the pic but hopefully you will find a cross0shaped nut underneath, like this:

Jazzer · Post by **Jazzer** » 05 Apr 2017, 17:07

Thanks for the pic, that will be a good reference for me just to make sure my mechanic didn't totally screw it up...

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 05 Apr 2017, 17:39

Flip the washer around. As long as the cross nut is in place, you should be able to safely remove the top bolt and flip the washer. For some reason mechanics never put those on the right way on these cars.

shegarty · Post by **shegarty** » 06 Apr 2017, 10:12

After you fix it yourself make a mental note to find a different mechanic or bone up on those skills yourself. If your mechanic can't do a simple strut replacement right I wouldn't trust them to change the oil.

Post by **oragex** » 06 Apr 2017, 11:00

The top rubber stop plate is upside down in the first picture.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 06 Apr 2017, 16:16

shegarty wrote: ↑06 Apr 2017, 10:12 After you fix it yourself make a mental note to find a different mechanic or bone up on those skills yourself. If your mechanic can't do a simple strut replacement right I wouldn't trust them to change the oil.

+1 to this. Pretty ridiculous that a mechanic can't figure out a strut.

Jazzer · Post by **Jazzer** » 25 Apr 2017, 06:40

Hey guys, I finally got around to attempting to flip these caps over, and I see that the mechanic also over torqued one of the nuts to the point that it is slightly cracked. I have not been able to locate replacement nuts at any local parts places; anybody have a good place where to order them? They are Bilstein Touring struts with a 22mm shaft. Thanks!

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 25 Apr 2017, 08:16

Check FCP.