No nut on top of shock on top of strut

Tiny
RICKKINS999
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 MAZDA 5
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
Somehow, the nut from the top of the strut is no longer there, completely gone. Strut still in place on car but with no nut the shock hangs loose. We bought a set of replacement monroe quick struts, but we worry about following normal procedures for replacing them.
Saturday, September 21st, 2019 AT 6:45 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
MASTERWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 258 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros!

The only reason that nut would have come off is if it wasn't installed properly in the first place. Either it was reused from the original strut (they should be replaced whenever removed) or it was not torqued properly. The torque specification for that nut is 42-56 ft. Lbs.

The disassembly/reassembly procedure is pretty straight forward. According to the attached diagram, simply disassemble in the order shown and reassemble in the reverse order.
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Saturday, September 21st, 2019 AT 7:07 AM
Tiny
RICKKINS999
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My main concern, is taking it off the car with that nut missing. We have the YouTube videos so we're okay for what seems to be a simple procedure, but without the nut to hold the assembly together, we worry about any danger trying to take it off of the car, as the assembly has nothing to hold it together.

Thanks.
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Saturday, September 21st, 2019 AT 7:17 AM
Tiny
MASTERWRENCH
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Okay. I’m on the same page now. Your concerns are certainly understandable. This is definitely a unique situation. With the weight of the car on the spring, does the stud protrude through the top enough to put a temporary nut on it? If not, I would suggest using a coil spring compressor while it’s still on the vehicle to take the pressure off the spring. This would keep anything from popping apart while removing it from the car. See the attached picture as an example of how they’re installed. Most auto parts stores will loan this tool at no cost.

Let us know how it works out!
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Saturday, September 21st, 2019 AT 8:33 AM
Tiny
RICKKINS999
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Okay, thanks.
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Saturday, September 21st, 2019 AT 8:50 AM
Tiny
RICKKINS999
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How about cutting the spring in place with a sawsall?
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Saturday, September 21st, 2019 AT 10:27 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 258 POSTS
I wouldn't recommend that. It's under some pretty significant pressure. It could come flying out of there and cause an injury.
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Saturday, September 21st, 2019 AT 11:23 AM

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