I installed Illuminas on H&R recently. For the 3rd time, the washer that holds everything together between the mount and the rubber bumper keeps coming apart on the D/R. This happen after hitting some moderate bumps. I checked the other side. They were both assembled the same away. The passenger side is fine. WTF?? I am ****ing pissed because now the adjustable mechanism is ruined from hitting the inside after it bottoms out. The strut is set at three. I followed the sorry instructions that came with themt. Could the strut be defective? I don't even have the box to return it to Tokico for warranty. The strut rebounds just fine. I don't think it's defective. Anyway, has anyone ever encountered this problem? WTF am I doing wrong?

Can anyone show pics of how the struts are put together with new mounts? I just want to make sure I am doing things right. The installation instructions that came with the struts really don't do them justice.

 

The installation order is this: strut> dustboot> coil spring>bound bumper cover> bushing w/spacer(cloverleaf like shape)>strut mount> rubber bushing>washer>nut>jamnut! So is that washer (bound bumper cover) like a cup that butts up to that cloverleaf like shaped bushing? Apparently your strut is bad or you left off an item! Were you able to fully tighten the upper bushing/concaved washer? Did you inspect your strut for oil leakage past the seals? How much of a drop does your springs give! There is a limit as with must shocks/struts. I think the Illuminas drop limit is 1.75" since the installation instructions state: Your Tokico warranty will be void if: 1.You lower your vehicle too far(most cars can handle 1"-1.75" maximum; some trucks can be lowered over 4" depending upon method). I would inspect that strut and if possible let warranty replace it...I hope you mailed I your warranty card!

 

Yes, I mailed the warranty card. The H&R drop in the rear is 1.3". I didn't see any oil leakage past the seals. But I will try the order you gave me. Thanks.

 

you mounted them wrong....... good luck

 

thts the first time i hear probs with illumz...but tokico is good with there warranty....gluck

 

Problem fixed. What I found was that the clover-shaped bushing was installed upside down causing the whole assembly to come apart upon hitting bumps. Thanks for your help guys.

 

Illuminas are great for me!(So Far!)

 

Actually. Problem not fixed. I called Hitachi's technical support. It appears the mounts and bump stops that were sold to me are Universal and do not work for my car. This appears as odd to me as everything mounts just fine (except for the rear mounts). The rear mounts are supposed to be a 1-piece unit according to Hitachi. He recommended going to dealer for the mounts. The dealer; however, doesn't manufacture bump stops for the rear. My question to you is, WHERE CAN I GET THE CORRECT MOUNTS AND BUMP STOPS FOR MY CAR?

 

Actually, just called the dealer and they have the 1 piece rear mounts. Ordered both rears with the correct boots.

 

I was gonna say the boots have two fold function to keep the piston shaft clean and to act as a bumpstop as well! As for the Upper rear strut mounts I like Nissan Oem part for that! I've never been impressed with the local autoparts over the counter strut mounts front nor rear! Have you ever shopped @ ABC Nissan(Arizona)?