Cross-nut Spacer (31262068) front suspension query

Cookeh · Post by **Cookeh** » 26 Sep 2020, 09:13

Good evening,

What is the purpose of this cross nut? I noticed today, whilst changing the top spring mounts, that I'm missing it on both sides. The car has been like this for at the very least 45,000 miles (since I've owned it) and I haven't noticed anything untoward previously. The only thing I was curious about was the number of threads visible on the strut tower.

If this part acts purely as a spacer, then can one simply substitute in a spacer to replace it? £9 a piece seems criminal if that is all it does. Is the cross-shape significant to it's design?

Thanks,
Cookeh

Post by **volvolugnut** » 26 Sep 2020, 13:06

See this post viewtopic.php?f=1&t=80448

volvolugnut

Post by **abscate** » 26 Sep 2020, 13:16

Uh

The cross nut stops the spring from flying off and decapitating you.

Please be careful if you are removing that strut

Cookeh · Post by **Cookeh** » 26 Sep 2020, 14:20

Interesting. The suspension diagram I was using as a reference placed the nut between the bump stop and the bottom of the spring mount. I will not be using that reference again.

It's still somewhat interesting to me that the suspension appears to function as normal without this cross nut. As the topic has been covered elsewhere and apparently presents safety concerns, shall we remove this thread so as to not cause confusion as to whether or not it can be omitted.