Strut Insert Movement (Wiggle)
 

I took my '86 coupe in for the annual safety inspection in PA yesterday, expecting an easy pass. The tech showed me movement in both front struts - fail. The movement was vertical and could be detected by putting your hands on the wheel at 12 and 6. There was no horizontal movement, so it was easy to rule out bearings, plus when underneath the car and the front wheels suspended, you could actually see the strut move when moving the tire/wheel vertically.

The prior owner had installed new Boge inserts about 2 1/2 years ago, I've had it 2 years. They are Boge struts, the markings are visible on the strut.

I discovered that the strut caps were not at all tight. In fact, I could turn the passenger side by hand. I properly torqued both caps, but the drivers side still has the slightest movement. The car did pass the safety inspection, but I am anal and want zero movement.

I had an old Audi that required a large washer to sit on top of the insert. Is there a washer or something inside the insert that, if missing, might permit movement? Does anyone have a guess as to what else I might consider?

I am driving the car for now. It's a summer weekend and periodic work week drive, that only gets a few thousand miles a year.

Thanks.

Are you talking about the gland nut that keeps the insert in the strut tube, or are you referring to the nut that is on top which you get to via the trunk? To the best of my knowledge, and that isn't much, the insert fits in the strut tube and is held in place by the gland nut. Then on top (trunk) there is a large grooved washer (this what you hold while you crank the top nut), and another washer which you bend up to secure the top nut in place once it is tight. There isn't any washer in the strut tube,at least I do not think there is, just the insert.

I too am having trouble understanding what you're saying.....I'm envisioning the top nut in your trunk being way loose and allowing the strut to ride up and down? Tobluforu has described what you do have.

I'd park it until I looked into it and made sure there is no problem.

Sorry, I tried to make an extra effort to be clear, obviously didn't do a very good job.

I am talking about the 'gland' nut. I guess. The large treaded nut that holds the strut inside the strut tube, not the nut inside the trunk on the strut shaft. I think you answered my question anyhow. I'll pull the strut insert out to see why there is movement, thanks.