Well I just got my torque wrench out, and I was tightening my FSTB nuts...well I overtightened one, and snapped the bolt, right at the covering for the tower. What kind of trouble am I in? Can I still drive with only two bolts on one side?

 

Well it gets worse..as I was trying to loosen the other, I did much more damage than I thought..it seems I snapped 4 of the 6 bolts..I thought I read somewhere to tighten to 80lbs, we'll i guess I muyst have be insane...so now i am screwed..where do those bolts go so i can replace them..please help!!!!

 

80 .lbs!!!

I think it should actually be more like 42 .lbs

 

actually it should be 34..i wish i can find where i read 80 so i know who to be ****ed at..know i have 4 broken bolts and a trip to the mechanics, which should cost me plenty

 

those bolts are for the strut mounts. they have to replace that.

 

That really sucks.... I feel for you man. Wish I knew more.

 

DAMNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

I hope you aint driving that car too hard. Cause if the next one snaps, you got issues and major damage in place.

Just go to the dealer and buy a new top strut mount plate. It comes with the studs that you broke off.

Problem is, it is going to be some work, basically going to have to remove the tire, remove the two large bolts holding the strut at the bottom, and then remove the last one on the top, and then remove the sturt/spring assembly.

Then compress the spring with a STRUT spring compressor, and then remove the center bolt on the top strut mount plate where you broke off the stud, and then remove the plate, and replace with a new one, and then put the center bolt back in place, remove the Strut spring compressor, and re-install the strut/spring assembly, install tire.

Basically you looking at a 2hr job if you need to do both left and right and if you got ALL the tools including a strut spring compressor. And the top plate. Good luck

Dixit

 

See bigdog, when I F*** something up, I go all the way...Seems that I have broken 4 of the 6 bolts, including all three on one side, so I guess I am not driving anywhere..time to hook it to the mechanics. I have a question for you, do you think dealers will generally stock this part, and how much will it cost. I am taking it to my personal mechanic, so I get a pretty fair rate on labor. The only thing is i hope i am not without a car for like a week.

 

Dealers might stock it, if not have it for you in one day.

Dixit

 

it should actually only take about an hour to do.

basically its the same procedure as changing your spring/struts.

 

hercules! hercules!

that sucks...

 

thanks..I needed the laugh!!

 

since you're gonna be taking out the springs, you should seriouly consider upgrading your springs to some lowering ones. You're gonna do the whole process on 1 side, so you mind as well do the other 3. Good luck and let us know how it works out.
oh yeah, check with some strut companies like monroe, kyb (i don't think they have strut mounts for 2k2 max), etc. It might be cheaper than Nissan.
Jae

 

The thought of having my mechanic put new springs on crossed my mind, but I just ordered new H&R's and they won't be here in time, plus I can't go that long w/o my car. I am also getting new shocks (hopefully KYB AGX if they are available) and I would have loved to kill two birds w/ one stone, but that is how my luck runs..btw does anyone know if the KYB AGX are available for 2k2, if not what else is a equivalent

 

KYB AGXs are available from Cattman. Just buy the modded struts along with the new mounts (4th gen) and you have AGXs on your 2k2. Should be around $600 total.

 

but still, is it safe to drive with 2/3 bolts? i lost one bolt a year ago, and ive been driving like that with no problems that i can tell.

 

2 out of three is fine. But do realize at one point the stress on a certain turn might be too much and will snap both at the same time where you may end up in a turn sliding with no wheel movement on that side.

You are weighing safety against a small stud.

Dixit