Installed Racingline strut bar

[5497]

Got my strut bar today from Racingline. Looks nice and strong. I got the chrome version because it stands out nicely in the engine compartment. Installed it in under 1/2 hour. However, not all's well, me thinks.

First: There are 3 bolts on each strut. I am having problems with the bolt closest to the windshield on the driver's side. It does not seem to want to tighten full. Kinda loose actually. The other 2 bolts are nice and tight. Do you think I stripped the bolt or strut thread? How bad is this and what can I do? Am I going to crash and burn at high speeds or during cornering?

Second: I'm not actually sure what the strut bar improves. I can't say that I noticed a night and day difference. I went for a casual drive to do some shopping this evening but don't know what has improved. Perhaps taking corners a little better?

[sleepyeyeds14]

well I'm no expert, but you should be able to see if the strut tread is tweeked, and if not, i would just buy a new bolt. and i don't think your going to crash or anything, if it were my car i wouldn't worry about it but i would buy a new bolt asap. and if you did ruin the strut tread i have no idea if you can fix it or not...

[5497]

Oh, I should also added that I can't remove the bolt either. Seems to just turn and turn but not coming out. I will try again tomorrow. I may have to use something to give it some upward pressure while unscrewing it out. Luckily, I have a couple of extra bolts because the strut bar came with a couple of new bolts for the installation.

Thanks for your comment, sleepyeyeds14.

[DJ_B_Easy]

You didnt use the bolts they gave you? I believe you are supposed to replace one of the OEM bolts with the ones they give you on each strut tower.

[DReed86]

Yeah I had a problem with mine too tightening the ones closes to the windshield.... but I just keep tightening them and eventually they were satisfactory.......

it made a huge difference in the control of the car for me.. but I also installed the rear sway bar at the same time so it could be that also... but I love mine!!!!

[5497]

You didnt use the bolts they gave you? I believe you are supposed to replace one of the OEM bolts with the ones they give you on each strut tower.

Yep, I used the ones they gave. There is 1 new bolt per strut that came with the kit. That was used.

[5497]

Yeah I had a problem with mine too tightening the ones closes to the windshield.... but I just keep tightening them and eventually they were satisfactory.......

it made a huge difference in the control of the car for me.. but I also installed the rear sway bar at the same time so it could be that also... but I love mine!!!!

I'm sure there is improvement. I just haven't noticed it yet. Rear stabilizer and front & rear endlinks are on my list next. I'm just waiting to order when Racingline has the Ypipe in stock.

[Richice87]

I had the same problem, driver side near windshield.. But luckly i have a set of retreader and retread it. and boom it finally tightened with no problem...

[5497]

I had the same problem, driver side near windshield.. But luckly i have a set of retreader and retread it. and boom it finally tightened with no problem...

Was it the strut threading or the bolt you had problems with? I have a couple of extra bolts but I'm screwed (pun not intended) if it's the threading on the strut.

[Ranga14]

I had the same problem, driver side near windshield.. But luckly i have a set of retreader and retread it. and boom it finally tightened with no problem...

Was it the strut threading or the bolt you had problems with? I have a couple of extra bolts but I'm screwed (pun not intended) if it's the threading on the strut.

Yeah, you'd have to order a new strut.

And my method was tightening them all equally at the same time, it seemed to work the best.

[DJ_B_Easy]

This is good to know...Im installing mine tomorrow. Question for those that have had issues...had you ever had those bolts removed prior to the installation? I wonder if its some kind of random fluke thing. There have been no issues with mine and they came out with the Eibach install...I think (I didnt do it).

[Ranga14]

This is good to know...Im installing mine tomorrow. Question for those that have had issues...had you ever had those bolts removed prior to the installation? I wonder if its some kind of random fluke thing. There have been no issues with mine and they came out with the Eibach install...I think (I didnt do it).

Yeah, for the Eibach install.

[parkeroutlaw]

If the threads in the strut are stripped you can get a tap and retap it. You will need to get a little bit bigger bolt. You can go to any hardware store to get the tap and bolt. It is not that hard to do. You will need to drill out the hole a little bit bigger. When you start using the tap make sure you do it by hand and it is straight up and down. Also use some WD-40 or some other oil to help it cut. If the threads are messed up on the bolt you can get a die and fix the threads that way. You can get that at the hardware store as well. It is not to hard to do just take your time. If you have any questions you can ask the people at the hardware store. Just take you bolt with you and tell them what you are trying to do. You can also try an auto parts store but they may cost a little more. TO get the bolt out of the strut try using a screw driver, claw hammer, or a cats paw. I hope this helps and remember just take your time.

[6SpeedinCoupe]

You wont notice any difference in performance unless you go to a track or hustle on some back roads. Taking a trip to go shopping will not show any evident performance gain IMO.

[5497]

You wont notice any difference in performance unless you go to a track or hustle on some back roads. Taking a trip to go shopping will not show any evident performance gain IMO.

Well if I go shopping at top speed and open up the throttle at every light and take corners at high speed...?

Haha... just kidding. I know what you are saying.

[6SpeedinCoupe]

Lmao touche!

[DJ_B_Easy]

Murphy's Law...I get to the final tighten down of the last bolt on mine and its getting harder and harder to turn. I look down under the bracket and there is still at least 1/4" between the bracket and the top of the strut cover. Loosen up the other two to try and straighten it and push it down, get back on it with the ratchet and POP! Goes completely loose in the strut thread.

5497 any luck with re-threading yours?

[DJ_B_Easy]

And here is why I love this forum...

On Parkeroutlaw's advice I just went to Advance Auto Parts and picked up a tap and die set for $25.00, came home and fixed the thread in literally 5 minutes. Seriously, look at the time stamps on my previous and this post.

5497 I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I dont think you will be able to re-thread yours with the strut still on the car. The thread you are having issues with probably wont have enough room to spin the tap overhead. The one I had trouble with was nearest the fender and even I could only get about 4 turns until I started hitting other parts near the windshield with the tap handle. When I removed your issue bolt I could not even get a ratchet in there, had to use a flat wrench. Luckily it seems like my thread was only partially stripped so a few turns was all I needed. See pic below, wrecked bolt on left, good bolt on right.



BTW before people say that I didnt need to re-tap because only the bolt was stripped, not true. I tried 2 other good bolts with the same result.

[5497]

And here is why I love this forum...

On Parkeroutlaw's advice I just went to Advance Auto Parts and picked up a tap and die set for $25.00, came home and fixed the thread in literally 5 minutes. Seriously, look at the time stamps on my previous and this post.

5497 I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I dont think you will be able to re-thread yours with the strut still on the car. The thread you are having issues with probably wont have enough room to spin the tap overhead. The one I had trouble with was nearest the fender and even I could only get about 4 turns until I started hitting other parts near the windshield with the tap handle. When I removed your issue bolt I could not even get a ratchet in there, had to use a flat wrench. Luckily it seems like my thread was only partially stripped so a few turns was all I needed. See pic below, wrecked bolt on left, good bolt on right.

Yeah, the one I have is in a tight space. I'm actually hoping that the strut thread is ok and I just need a good bolt. Then I saw your last sentence below....

BTW before people say that I didnt need to re-tap because only the bolt was stripped, not true. I tried 2 other good bolts with the same result.

Since I still have 2 good oem bolts here because I used the new ones that came with the bar, I'm going to try it anyways. Taking out the struct is not an option for me. I will have to seek professional help with that if it comes to that.

Btw, glad you got yours all fixed up. What strut bar did you get? How are you finding the results?

[DJ_B_Easy]

I got the Racingline bar. Havent been able to really let it loose yet and kill some turns. I will say that it does feel "different" when just steering, not sure what that means yet though.

Give it a shot with the OEMs, I would put A LOT of downward pressure on the bolt, try and just make it tap the thread back itself. I tried this but it didnt work, maybe you will have better luck. Godspeed...