Hey guys,

i just picked up a generic FSB from courtesy nissan. i couldn't do a search for an answer. so...my question is, do i need a torque wrench to do the install?

 

You should torque the strut tower bolts up to 35 ft/lbs. according to spec. Unless you guess really well, you'll need a torque wrench.

 

I went to buy a torque wrench and the guy asked me what I was going to use it for. I told him to install a FSTB to 35 lbs. He told me not to even bother. 35 lbs is only wrist tight. Basically, look at how hard you had to untighten the to begin with and then tighten back to that. This is just my opinion. I am no expert. I have a unique situation. Instead of using metal washers to raise the end pieces I used rubber ones. I hope this doesn't bite me in the rear. I just couldn't see how you could tighten the end pieces to the strut when the strut has raised ridges and the end pieces are flat. Of course I got a BOMZ FSTB so your Courtesy may be different.

 

HSVMaxima,

I have got a torque wrench. If you need me to meet you in town to check them at a certain torque, just let me know. I am off of Wynn Drive in the Executive Plaza.

 

whoever told you 35ft-lbs is wrist tight is a friggin moron
35 ft-lbs means that if you have a 1ft lever arm you need to apply 35lbs of force on one end. NOT exactly wrist tight. you can sort of simulate that force by lifting a 35lb dumbell. now some of the socket wrenches are 1ft long, some are longer, some are shorter, some elementary math will tell you how much you need to increase or decrease the 35lb force when you tighten the bolt. hope this helps.

someone mentioned remembering the force that you used to untighten it...that should prolly work okay too....

 

Let me ask you this. What would happen if the bolts were only tightened to say 25 lbs? I think I remember reading somewhere that tightening too much could cause the strut to break. With that being said would you rather be a little under than over. Like I said earlier I may have another problem since I put rubber spacers under the end brackets. Didn't want to use metal for fear of creating scratches, etc. for rust to start. I guess eventually the rubber would squish to where it couldn't be tightened anymore.

 

Just go borrow a torque wrench from an auto parts store like Auto Zone or Discount Auto parts. They'll make you give them a deposit just in care you break it.

 

I might have to take you up on that. Especially seeing as how I might replace my rubber washers with metal ones. At the time I thought it was a good idea, now I'm starting to wonder.

 

Just let me know. I can have it with me tomorrow if you'd like. I'll PM you my cell.