GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Ok, as you all know, i replaced my stock springs with some Sportline lowering springs. I blew my struts, yada yada yada... I'm replacing them right now, and i look under my car and i see a problem. Strut on the right... just fine. Strut on the left... BIG PROBLEM!!! The nut is not only loose, but gone. The bottom part of the strut (where it actually attaches to the wheel connection/hub/whatever) is about to just pop off the end of the shaft. I've got pics and will attach them. Any advice as to how i should proceed? Jack up the left side and let it pop off, take wheel off, then strut... so on and so forth. Also does anyone have the part number for the nutand washer combination that is missing? Thanks!!!Right side....

Attached files

Left Side....

Attached files

Ah, the REAR strut! Couldn't figure which nut you meant. Just jack up both sides at the rear, starting with the left. The strut has an internal stop, so it will only extend so far, then the axle will continue to drop down until you can slide the strut back over the (hopefully undamaged) stud (maybe a few whacks with a soft hammer), get a new nut and this time tighten the %^# out of it! (check the other side for torque too)

proper torque,recheck,LOCKTITE!!.

Thanks guys for your advice. I did what Madbill said. I figured it out right after I got offline last night. I freaked out when I saw it. I had just hit 130+ racing a stupid v6 Grand Am. I'm lucky to be alive... I have a feeling that now I'll check those stupid nuts before I drive anywhere.

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 »Congrats on getting your struts.... No offense, but you worried about getting killed because of the strut nut coming off?Doing 130 mph and racing is endangering yourself and others..... I would be scared of you myself....I was racing at 12:30 at night on a deserted highway... at 130 if that strut would have come off... yes, I would have been dead!

personally, i go more for the kamikazee aproach. Jack it up until it just pops off, then reattach with new bolt. with the weight completely off the tire it should be easy to manipulate the strut.

Now you got me worrying. I've had a "knock/creak" coming from the rear lately, but I have just been writing it off as my sway bar needing some tightening...but now I think I may need to check my struts! I also have Sportlines.

WHOLY *@#% I'm going check mine as soon as its stops raining.. that's scary as all hell... glad you fix it...

Hi all...Dunno if this'll help but... http://p-car.com/torque/Dave

Jesus, I'm glad you caught that before it caught you

LOL!Those are Posrche torques!I wouldn't trust them...it says 95 ft-lb torque for wheel nuts...the Vibe calls for only 76 ft-lb.