The Ohio Random Thread... aka We Should Probably Be Working

[PrinceValorum]

MB Battles!

 

[jri4]

Nice, Chipmunk. Is Justine making them? I asked Tessa to make me one but she has to bust out a bunch of scarves for Christmas presents so I might not get it until summer. haha

justine's mom, LOL

 

[zoomdoom]

What are the symptoms of a broken strut mount. I was hearing clunks over bumps on driver side end links checked out ok. So I pushed down w the hood up and could see my driver side strut moving around. The center nut with the allen key hole was really loose I was able to tighten it some but still seems sloppy. Any ideas?

 

[ucMP3]

What are the symptoms of a broken strut mount. I was hearing clunks over bumps on driver side end links checked out ok. So I pushed down w the hood up and could see my driver side strut moving around. The center nut with the allen key hole was really loose I was able to tighten it some but still seems sloppy. Any ideas?

Replace the strut mount.

 

[zoomdoom]

Thanks I think I might try to fix it myself. But just out of curiosity how much do you think a shop would charge in total. Might be worth it with the cold weather and lack of air tools lol. Also do you think Im putting myself in any danger or could I damage my car by driving to and from work next few days non highway 15 min drive.

 

[PrinceValorum]

When my strut mount went out in the back, I think I got charged right around 100$ for everything, but the mount was most of the price, I can't remember for sure. You can tell if you push down on that corner and hear it clunking (unless it's other strut problems). It won't do that for the end link. And the guy said it was just an annoying noise, it wouldn't hurt anything, but I'm not sure how far gone mine was, if it was as bad as yours, etc. I'd wait for someone else's recommendation, also, haha.

 

[squirrelmincer]

I've broken two on my 3. They are $40 from the stealership. Real easy to swap out. Disconnect tie rod end. Remove the 17mm nut and bolt that hold it into the knuckle. Take a piece of wood and a hammer and separate strut from knuckle. Undo the 3 bolts that hold the upper strut mount to the car. Remove strut from car. Use a coil spring compressor that you will rent from auto zone for free and compress the spring. Remove top nut. With care, separate the upper mount from upper spring perch. There are a million ball bearings in between those two that can go everywhere if not careful. The treaded sleeve usually separates from the rubber coated plate. It looks like it has 3 or 4 tack welds that hold it on. When broke it will vibrate and make clunking sounds. A quick way to check is to torque the upper bolts to spec. If you have one that won't tighten, and keeps turning, bingo. Also check your ball joint, they are not the strongest as well.

 

[THE Phen]

Thanks I think I might try to fix it myself. But just out of curiosity how much do you think a shop would charge in total. Might be worth it with the cold weather and lack of air tools lol. Also do you think Im putting myself in any danger or could I damage my car by driving to and from work next few days non highway 15 min drive.

Bring it to the house. I'll be home tomorrow. We can take a look. If anything, it could be something small.

Based on some of the s*** that's broken or worn out on my Protege...and I've been driving it like that for almost a year now... I personally wouldn't be too afraid, but I wouldn't go a long period of time like that.

 

[zoomdoom]

I gotta work any chance you gona be around later in the week like thur - mon im off. I didnt realize you back from China even wow im slow.

 

[THE Phen]

I'm not yet. Im finishing up some last minute things in the office. My flight is at 4:30pm (3:30am your time). I'll be landing at 10pm.

 

[zoomdoom]

Okay well let me know if you got any free time later in the week to check it out. Ill take you out for some beer or bring you some or somthing. Just a warning if you didnt know its suppose to be like blizzard conditions around the time your coming in.

 

[THE Phen]

Yeah... I've been following it. I should be available on Friday after work, or Saturday during the day I think.

 

[zoomdoom]

Okay good luck with your trip back.

 

[rally2003]

I love jet lag Just need to drink more to counter act the affects of it.

 

[Lewis7789]

Ryan, you can bring it by sometime during the week after 5pm. I wasn't sure what the policy at LMS would be once the other share holder came back to town. But the garage is booked already for next saturday.

 

[PrinceValorum]

Sounds top secret...

 

[zoomdoom]

Okay thanks should I just go ahead and rent the spring compressor and get the new strut mount? Do you think one of the local dealerships would have this? I found them online for about 40 bucks.

 

[PrinceValorum]

Wow, that's cheap. Mine were like 82 minimum..

 

[Lewis7789]

Sounds top secret...

Not top seceret, just Pablo's car. It's kinda who ever calls the garage gets it first. It was weird working on my own motor this saturday.

 

[princess peach]

Not top seceret, just Pablo's car. It's kinda who ever calls the garage gets it first. It was weird working on my own motor this saturday.

as long as I get her back in time, which I should. Just a couple of simple suspension things, shouldn't take too long