[ThePigSTi]

Hey guys,

I just installed my V3s and besides that fact that the driver's side axle popped out and coated my garage floor with tranny fluid I am pretty happy with the results. I noticed something that really is bothering me. When tightening the nuts on top of the strut shaft (both fronts), I can see the top of the wheel move in and out slightly with each revolution (like what it would do if the shaft was bent or not totally aligned with the strut housing itself). I am really worried because if there is an undue amount of pressure on one part of the seal then the strut obviously isn't going to last long. Has anyone else seen this, or know what the problem might be?

05 STi, KW V3s with factory tops, no other suspension mods.

Thanks.

[BayRain]

Are both of the lower bolts tightened properly? I don't know if this would cause them to move or not, but just checking.

[ThePigSTi]

Yea, I took them off and apart and did it all over again. It is strange because even if the top of the casing was ****ed inward (like negative camber) relative to the strut rod it shouldn't ocillate back and forth as the strut rod turned.

I am hoping this is "one of those things" that I shouldn't worry about, it just struck me as very odd.

The install was pretty easy, the only problem I had was tightening the strut rod top nuts enough. They are recessed into the factory top hat and it looks like you would need a special tool to turn that nut while holding the strut rod itself in place. I had a hell of a time to get the back ones tight enough, they were slamming into the top hat when I went around the block the first time.

Thanks for the reply, hopefully someone can shed some light. I am going to email Gtworx on Monday and see if they might know something.

[91TB78]

What I did was give a quick shot with the torque wrench on both top nuts. Use the lowest tq setting and/or an air wrench torque rod so that you don't over tighten.

Good luck.

[RaceComp Engineering]

Today I got 5 calls while recovering from working at BMW for the nbew X5 launch for the last 20 days. None the less, if you called me, please forgive me. I did call everyone back and left messages.

As for the initial problem, I cant understand this for some reason, maybe you can take a picture or explain it a better way.

As for the shaft turning, you should use a strap wrench to hold the shaft while you secure the top nut with a impact gun. MIND YOU, YOU ONLY NEED a HIT OR TWO of the impact gun for it to be secure. Sometimes when trying what you have described, you WONT get these tight enough and you WILL have a sound later and think there is a problem that isnt there.

So I woulod got back and use a strap wrench if you can. If you dont have one, Sears sells them.

Let me know if we can help.

mw

[ThePigSTi]

Thanks guys, I was able to the the top nuts tight enough (impact wrench) to where it doesn't sound like there is a midget in the wheel well with a brick in his hand throwing a fit. As for the other thing, let me see if I can describe it better.

When I had the impact gun on either of the top nuts in the front, when it sinched down enough and began to turn the strut rod, I could see the top of the wheel going in and out slightly (laterally) as the strut rod went around. It was like if I had a camber kit and someone was just moving it back and forth. All I am really concerned about is that the strut rods might be bent and end up wearing out the seals etc. Actually those things are damn stout, I guess it would be more likely that they were machined improperly if anything is really even wrong.

If nobody else has seen this I guess I will drive the car and hope it's nothing. So far after the first few miles I have no strange squeeks, clunks, whistles, buzzes or squishes; and the car handles great!

Big thanks to the guys at Gtworx for putting up with my incessant "are they here yet?!" after I placed the order.

[BayRain]

Upon re-reading your post I would say this...

The smartest thing to do at this point would probably be not to drive it tomorrow and call KW first thing Monday morning. What you are saying doesn't seem normal. For the wheels and tires to be moving in and out as the shaft of the strut spins, it just doesn't seem right. I didn't experience it when installing either of my sets of coilovers.

If there is something bent on the coilover, you don't want to be driving on it.

I believe I can picture what you are talking about and I can see where you would think that the strut itself is bent. As it turns them bent portion goes in and then out. It should be completely straight. The only motion that should occur is the shaft spinning which needs to be held by a strap wrench or use the impact gun like you did.

I don't know though. I would call KW on Monday. I am positive they will have the answer for you. You might need to send the front back for a new set. I dunno.

Jared

[ThePigSTi]

Just thought of something else. Since hole in the OEM top where the rod goes through is way too big for the strut rod and there is room on all sides; perhaps when the nut spins it is getting friction and moving itself around the surface of the top as it turns (like adjusting a camber kit would do).