Quick strut brace fitting question

[andreww]

I have a forge front upper strut brace to fit to my MK4 20VT, however I have noticed the bolts are 'the wrong way around' on the Ibiza, most cars have the bolts that hold the suspension on the other way around - the head of the bolts is on the top, what happens to what ever they are bolted in to when they are removed?

In short is it safe to simply remove the bolts to fit the brace?

Also does anyone know the amount of torque that should be used to tighten the bolts up again?

Thanks!

 

[Leigh15]

I think that either the holes are threaded or captive nuts are used - I've certainly never heard of anyone having a problem.

I'm sure there is a correct torque, but most people seem to go for 'tight'

 

[andreww]

Thanks for the advice!

I have found out from a post Glenn made:
"The instructions state 15Nm and then another 180 Degrees turn (i.e. an extra 1/2 turn). "

 

[kriso]

It's fine to remove the bolts, just don't move the car while they are out as they screw into the top of the shock assembly 15nm and 1/4 turn is the usual torque according to Seat service manuals but this should prob be adjusted if you are adding a strut brace. The bolts should really be replaced too, but most ppl dont bother.

 

[andreww]

I would assume I should be using slightly longer bolts to make up for the thickness of the brace. When you say the tightness of the bolts should be adjusted..do you mean tighter than what the service manual states?

 

[Nath.]

As long as there is some thread showing after you have tightened the nuts you will not need longer bolts, as for how tight just do them very tight as 15nm isn't a lot. You will find out how tight the nuts are when you undo them so just do them up to the same sort of torque.

Maybe add some thread lock if you are worried

 

[andreww]

Superb! thanks for the help.

The brace looks about 1cm or less in thickness.

I will be using thread lock for sure.

 

[techie]

Make sure you can start the bolts by hand. Quite a few people end up cross threading them and bugger the top mount.

 

[andreww]

sure thing, thanks for the tip, I will go slow and steady.