3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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Installed a set of quickstruts.Car seemed great compared to old struts. The originals were totally done. Been driving around and had a noise in the rear. After reading some forums went to make sure the top bolts were torqued to spec and the were a little loose. When I got to the pass side one of the bolts was broken . I torqued the remaining two to spec and the noise is almost gone. Do you think its safe to drive for the time being, until I hear from monroe on a replacement top mount. Also do you think the mount is covered by Monroe.
I would ask for a totally new Quickstrut, since you will have to remove it from the car to replace the top mount anyway. How old are these Quickstruts?
It's probably safe to drive it for a few days like this, but take it easy, especially when going over any bumps.
The mount may be covered, it depends if it was an install error or a defective part. Even if its not, a top mount is probably less than $50. Did you tighten the top mount bolts first during the original install? If they weren't properly torqued down, they could have banged around and caused the bolt to get broken. The struts really do take a beating so I think it would be easy for something to break it things weren't tight.
I did the quick struts on the rear in my car, easiest strut replacement I've ever done!
Struts are two months old. Is it possible to replace just a bolt on the plate? I did the install. I didnt have my torque wrench handy so I guess the bolts werent torqued down enough. I went back to do it two months after the install because i kept hearing a creaking noise in the tower. As soon as I put the wrench on it to turn, it broke off. The other two torqued down fine. The noise is almost gone even with the loss of the bolt. I looked online and the plate is $32. The only thing is I will have to bring it in someplace and have the mounting plate changed. also anyone who has done this, When I used a socket I torqued the bolts down ,with the torque wrench, I had a ways to go before I hit 60ft/lbs. I didnt realize the difference, I had so much more leverage with the bigger wrench.
When and where did you buy them from?
If it was from a local store, ask them if they have an in-store warranty for those struts, since it might be a defect you might be able to just take it back to the store and get a new replacement instead of messing with Monroe directly.
Sounds like you just didn't go back and check that every thing was tight. I have done the same thing in the past and I finally learned a trick from a mechanic friend. Put your finger on every bolt/nut/screw that you turn before you cover it with aother component or close the hood. The crayon marks you see on new cars are just for that reason. That is the indication that the bolt has been tightened and torque checked. If you put a rachet or box end on the nuts holding the strut and pulled them tight they would not be loose. While I think torque wrenches are great (and i have and use one) they do not eliminate fasteners from coming loose that have never been tightened. The torque limits and wrench not only ensures the bolt is tight enough, it also ensures it is not too tight.
This in no way is meant to bust anybody's chops so please don't take it as such. Just some lessons I learned from 35-40 years of working on stuff and making similar and worse mistakes. BTW I did not even own a torque wrench until 3-4 years ago. I never had a tightend fastener come loose either. I did have a loose one get looser though. My bad.
I agree with what you said,I have gone many years without using a torque wrench. Now that I am doing more of my own work I figured it to be a good investment. Unfortunately I am not in the habbit of using one. I know for sure those bolts were tight,or as tight as i could get them with a standard wrench. My point was that with the longer torque wrench I had much more leverage especially in that tight spot. My idea of tight with a standard wrench wasnt even close to spec. I am sure I will use my torque wrench more often ,if anything just for the leverage. Thanks for your input.I am still waiting to hear back from monroe about the mounting plate.
I used a longer than standard rachet on mine the other week. It is a little tight back there on the rear ones and I can see how it would be tough to get enough torque on them. Good luck with Monroe. You can get a new strut mount for $30-40. It is just a pain to put them on. Luckily if you have to do it the rears are easier than the fronts. Springs compress more evenly. I did all four and did not use the quickstruts. Sorta wished I had but all I needed besides the struts was the boots w/ bump stops, and the front mounts. After the rebate I had about $420 in the job. Guess I'm cheap, I mean cost conscience.
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