Gambit

iTrader: (6)

got a classic STI carbon front strut brace for my MY99 UK classic but the studs on the top of the top mounts dont have enough thread to fit the brace securely - nut is only about half threaded onto the stud

the top mounts where replaced 2yrs ago for KYB direct replacement items

any easy ways around this apart from:-
1. Change the top mounts
2. Dont fit the brace

leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

Are you sure the top mounts are pushed right up ? the studs should be long enough unless they have been cut down standered length !

scoobychris300

my strut brace fitted fine ! plenty left!
chris.

scoobychris300

could always knock out old top mount studs , then nut and bolt them!
chris

Gambit

iTrader: (6)

yep defo pushed right up, and defo not cut down

it seems to be the nipples on the bottom side of the base plates causing the issue - without the nipple there'd be plenty of thread but the nipple is needed to clear the lip on the strut tower from what i can see

yeah id been told i could knock them out one at a tim, and replace each with a nut n bolt, meaning i wouldnt have to actually remove the strut to do it

Gambit

iTrader: (6)

to give an example of what im on about. in this Whiteline fitting guide, it tells you to place a washer above and below the base plate
http://www.whiteline.com.au/docs/ins...uides/Z295.pdf

but on the carbon STI brace there appears to be a 5mm+ thick washer/nipple integrated into the underside on the base plates which is causing me the issue

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...strut-cf-2.jpg

scoobychris300

i see exactly what you mean now! i have a whiteline brace maybe thats why i didnt have this problem, what if you leave off the washer under the brace does that help at all? failing that i think you will have to remove studs and put in longer ones , only other thing i can think off is to file down the 5mm thick washer off your brace ( but thats a bit severe!)
cheers chris .

Gambit

iTrader: (6)

they seem to be pressed into the base plate, as you can see from this pic show the top side - so im assuming i could press them out

http://www.gallery.rallybeater.com/d/339-2/DSC00228.JPG

but dont understand why it doesnt fit - looking at other top suspension top mount pics they dont look any longer than mine?

midnight

iTrader: (10)

Thats a strange one ,I have fitted 2 of these to my 2 classics, and never bothered with any washers above or below the brace simply took old one off and bolted sti one on.

53

iTrader: (41)

Even with the washers though there's loads of thread on that whiteline bolt Never heard of this before ?

scoobychris300

been talking to a mate today ,he bought some cheap! strut top mounts yrs ago , bolts where shorter than origionals and had similar problem , maybe ??!! yr problem
chris ..

Gambit

iTrader: (6)

i think that is the problem, had another look today, and the mounts are defo up as far as possible as i can see the final thread on the studs

anyone got a close up pic of an STI brace fitted to their strut so i can see just how much difference there is with mine?

lee67

fitted a strut brace other week and there was loads of thread left after tightening the nuts..

scoobychris300

any joy mate ?? did you get sorted??
chris..

Gambit

iTrader: (6)

im in two minds just to sell the brace again

gonna have a look at the weekend to see can i knock out the washer inserts in the base plates, and if i cant then prob will sell it. dont want to be putting new nuts n bolts through top mounts as im pretty certain it'll cause me more hassle than its worth

also, when i trial fitted the brace and nipped up the nuts as far as a could, about half threaded, i took the car a drive and hated how the steering felt which is sort of putting me of it also - steering went very light for some reason?!?

SLAB

iTrader: (77)

if you need a set will send you 6 if you pay postage m8 have a few knocking about you can have, they will be out of standard legs should do the trick

gpssti4

iTrader: (6)

it shouldn't make any difference to how the car feels/steers

Gambit

iTrader: (6)

cheers - that'd be great if you could, paypal? just pm your email addy and ill fire you over beer tokens for them. still gonna try knocking out the inserts tomorrow!

just didnt like the feel on cornering - prob just take a bit of getting use to

Gambit

iTrader: (6)

just outta curiosity what metal are the base plates?

in this he says titanium?!
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2143054

if so it shouldnt be that hard to knock out the aluminium inserts will it?
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5296/...f8204c1f_b.jpg

53

iTrader: (41)

Probably because they weren't seated or torqued correctly. All else is in your head. The standard carbon STi strut braces aren't very good in all honesty, they move in their own construction nevermind preventing strut movement.

Gambit

iTrader: (6)

ok making progress, got the inserts drifted out handy enough, so now hopefully to find a new insert - couple of washers should do the trick - then fingers crossed ive now got enough thread!

as for the brace feeling weird it probably was all in my head seeing as the mounts where only nipped up i was in hyper sensitive mode!

muttleyturbo

iTrader: (5)

Probably a bit late now but here you go...

Gambit

iTrader: (6)

mission accomplished. brace is now on with a full thread - std m10 washer above & below gave enough to get a full thread on the nut.

also, m10 spring washers outta b&q worked a treat at filling void in the base plates - exact same outer diameter size as the inserts