XC92
Proven Member
- 1,573
- 362
- Jul 22, 2020
-
Queens,
New_York
I just replaced the front struts on my '92 Talon TSi AWD, along with the mounts, boots, stoppers and pads. The only parts I reused were the springs and seats, which I cleaned, derusted and painted so it all looks nice and has corrosion protection. I used the strut and mount nuts that came with the new parts. Everything is KYB, except the pads, which were OEM. The struts are GR-2 / Excel-G, nothing fancy.
Thing is, I forgot to swap over the thick top nut washers from the old struts and mounts, and the whole assemblies are now installed in my car. Since the strut towers and steering knuckles are compressing the springs, is it ok/safe to remove the top bolt on each assembly to insert the washers? Or do I have to remove them, compress them with a spring compressor again, in order to safely and properly do this?
Also, while we're at it, I got everything from RockAuto, including the mounts. Only, because each mount was shipped separately, I got 2 different mounts sourced from 2 different makers. Apparently RockAuto does this sometimes. I tried to get them to send me a matching set, but their replacement policy only covers defective parts, so I was stuck with the "mismatched" pair. They're both correct for my car, just not the same brand. One has a fully sealed bearing, the other is open. Both seem fine.
What I'm wondering is, do I have to apply grease to the sealed bearing, under the rubber cap on top, or only to the open one? And what kind of grease should I use? Right now I have Lucas green and red, along with silicone-based brake pin lube. I might also have some white lithium grease somewhere. Would any grease work, or only certain kinds?
Thing is, I forgot to swap over the thick top nut washers from the old struts and mounts, and the whole assemblies are now installed in my car. Since the strut towers and steering knuckles are compressing the springs, is it ok/safe to remove the top bolt on each assembly to insert the washers? Or do I have to remove them, compress them with a spring compressor again, in order to safely and properly do this?
Also, while we're at it, I got everything from RockAuto, including the mounts. Only, because each mount was shipped separately, I got 2 different mounts sourced from 2 different makers. Apparently RockAuto does this sometimes. I tried to get them to send me a matching set, but their replacement policy only covers defective parts, so I was stuck with the "mismatched" pair. They're both correct for my car, just not the same brand. One has a fully sealed bearing, the other is open. Both seem fine.
What I'm wondering is, do I have to apply grease to the sealed bearing, under the rubber cap on top, or only to the open one? And what kind of grease should I use? Right now I have Lucas green and red, along with silicone-based brake pin lube. I might also have some white lithium grease somewhere. Would any grease work, or only certain kinds?