Avoid Common Mistakes

Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when installing shocks and struts:

Using pliers or vise grips on the shaft

Trying to grip the shaft with pliers or vise grips will score the highly polished chrome surface. This will cause increased wear on the upper seals and, in turn, cause a hydraulic fluid leak from the shock or strut. Do use a wrench (special tools are also available) to hold the shaft. There is a ‘shoulder’ area near the top of the shaft, below the thread area, that is designed for use with a wrench. If the strut starts leaking fluid from the upper seal shortly after installation, it’s likely caused by damage to the piston rod surface during installation.

Failing to reposition the strut’s upper mount rubber insulator

Some strut mounts have an adjustable “clock” position insulator. To install these struts, it may be necessary to rotate the upper strut mount insulator, which can be separated from the mount, as follows:

Make a mark on the upper mount in line with (depending on the model) the notch in the strut pinch bolt area or the steering knuckle bracket.
Disassemble and loosen the spring compressor to remove the mount and insulator.
Separate the rubber insulator from the underside of the mount, then place the insulator back on the spring so it matches the spring's position.
Put the strut back into the spring and put the mount onto the insulator.
Align the mark on the mount to the notch in the strut or steering knuckle bracket.
Compress the mount and spring assembly, install and torque the strut nut to OEM specifications.
Reinstall the assembly.

Failure to use the supplied nut

Do not reuse the old installation nut(s) - always use the new nut(s) supplied! The threads in nuts ‘stretch’ over time, and an old nut will not have the holding strength of a new one. In addition, the strut or strut manufacturer may supply a special nut that matches the new mounting stud. Most shocks and struts come with a parts kit. This may include a nut, washers, spacers, or a bumper. Before installing shocks or struts, check all items in the parts kit. If new parts are supplied, use them. While you should usually not reuse old parts, some OE components are designed to be reused.

Don’t use an impact wrench on the piston rod

Do not use an air or electric impact wrench to tighten the upper mounting nut on the piston rod. This can increase torque above the recommended level and cause damage. Correct tightening is accomplished by holding the piston rod with a wrench or special tool (not vice grips or pliers) at the machined shoulder and using a torque wrench set to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification.

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