Torque on the front strut bars

Handling, suspension, and brake tuning discussions
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robdog
Posts: 372
Joined: Mon Dec 30, 2002 1:36 am

Torque on the front strut bars

Post by robdog »

Anyone know how much to tighten the bolts after installing a front strut tower brace? I am putting one on this weekend and I don't know how tight to make them.
03, Abyss monotone GT, 6 disk changer, moon and tunes, Cargo mat/nets, power package, side airbags, AEM Short Ram Intake, Borla exhaust , 35% tint all around, F1 strut tower brace, debadged, 17" Excel rims w/ federal ss595 tires.
Triton
Posts: 2198
Joined: Wed Aug 14, 2002 1:24 am

Re: Torque on the front strut bars (robdog)

Post by Triton »

Here is a thread that might help you out. http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=2534 It looks like you only need to tighten them to between 25 and 30 lbs.I kept this one in my notification list because I also plan on installing one in the near future. Hope this helps.
***SOLD***2003 Vibe GT Monotone Neptune - Inaugural October 2004 Vibe of the Month***SOLD***

Now the proud owner of Titanium Silver 2012 Kia Optima SX
valjean
Posts: 17
Joined: Wed Feb 12, 2003 1:43 am

Re: Torque on the front strut bars (robdog)

Post by valjean »

How do you measure the torque you are putting on them????
mjphttp://mikepark.org
Lorin
Posts: 270
Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2003 11:31 am

Re: Torque on the front strut bars (valjean)

Post by Lorin »

There is a special ratche-looking tool called a "Torque wrench". Depending on the type you purchase, you can either read the torque on a guage, or it will "click" when you reach the torque you set using an adjustment on the wrench. There are also types that light a flashlight bulb on the wrench when the torque is met, although I haven't seen those for a while. Craftsman sells a couple different styles. Don't buy the cheap kind because the cr@ppy plastic crumbles apart after a whle and the lifetime warranty doesn't apply to torque wrenches. >
Lorin2003 Pontiac Vibe GT, Neptune-mono, moons & tunes, power package, side impact airbags, rear seat covers, bumper protector, cargo mat.Mods installed: TRD exhaust, TRD stb, Mods removed: TRD CAI - annoyed by CEL
Space_Cowboy
Posts: 51
Joined: Mon Dec 16, 2002 4:12 am

Re: Torque on the front strut bars (Lorin)

Post by Space_Cowboy »

be very careful when you're tightening the nuts on the front struts...i accidentally over torqued them and snapped one of the studs...it was a very expensive repair...about 100 bucks for the strut plate and another 150 for the labor to repair it (i have no idea how to take the strut tower apart) because the stud is manufactured into the plate, you can't just tap it out and replace it.Just giving everyone the heads up...
-WarrenVibe GT -Monotone Shadow - Six CD Changer-Power Package - Rear Cargo Box-Moon & Tunes - NEW HORN!!!!!-Magnetic Car Bra - K & N Performance Filter-Homemade Rear Cargo Mat - F1 Front Strut Brace- Hopefully CAI & exhaust soon
gwm
Posts: 30
Joined: Sat Apr 05, 2003 3:59 am

Re: Torque on the front strut bars (Space_Cowboy)

Post by gwm »

I just purchased an A Spec front strut brace. I understand about tightening the studs, but what about the adjustment nuts for the spacing between the struts? Can you use this adjustment to lenghthen or shorten this bar to the detriment of you suspension? What do you really do with that adjustment?
G.W. w/'09 Vibe GT (mfg.12/08) AT, in Red Hot Met., purch.06/19/09
cohocarl
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Joined: Mon Jul 01, 2002 9:45 am

Re: Torque on the front strut bars (gwm)

Post by cohocarl »

I believe it's not really an "adjustment", just how the bar fastens to the end pieces. I have one also, and I screwed the end pieces on far enough so the holes in the end plates slipped over the studs on the top of the struts. Once I had the bar "adjusted" to the correct length, I tightened it down.
Sold 6/16/04 03 Vibe 5-speed, Hotchkis Sway Bars & Springs, Hooker Aerochamber, Panasonic Stereo, Hitch, Silverstars,04 Saturn Vue 2.2L Ecotec, 5-speed, 01 Stratus R/T Coupe 5-speed (wife's car) 85 Corvette 268 CompCam, 882 heads, FlatTops, 24lb injectors, Hooker Aerochamber true duals, 58mm TB, Holley AFPR, Siamesed intake base, Polished TPI.
gwm
Posts: 30
Joined: Sat Apr 05, 2003 3:59 am

Re: Torque on the front strut bars (cohocarl)

Post by gwm »

Thanks, cohocarl. I'll put mine on if it ever stops raining here.
G.W. w/'09 Vibe GT (mfg.12/08) AT, in Red Hot Met., purch.06/19/09
abe98gt
Posts: 88
Joined: Tue Oct 22, 2002 5:27 am

Re: Torque on the front strut bars (Space_Cowboy)

Post by abe98gt »

quote:be very careful when you're tightening the nuts on the front struts...i accidentally over torqued them and snapped one of the studs...it was a very expensive repair...about 100 bucks for the strut plate and another 150 for the labor to repair it (i have no idea how to take the strut tower apart) because the stud is manufactured into the plate, you can't just tap it out and replace it.Just giving everyone the heads up...i did that too, except not on a vibe, and it didn't snap
abe98gt
Posts: 88
Joined: Tue Oct 22, 2002 5:27 am

Re: Torque on the front strut bars (abe98gt)

Post by abe98gt »

oh yea, and i'm an idiot, so dont do that
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