Front Shock Shaft Nut

benspeed

benspeed

New member
Here's a simple question for a frusting thing. I just re-installed my front shocks and the left front top shaft nut wont tighten down all the way so there is the tinyest little play up and down. When I tighten the shaft nut the shaft rotates. How the heck do you tighten down the nut so there's no play? Can't see how you would be able to hold the shaft. Impact wrench tightened down the right side just fine with the shaft spinning only a little - no play on the right side.

Any suggestions?

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BenSpeed
#33 ITS RX7
BigSpeed Racing
[email protected]
NNJR
 
A few thoughts:

Make certain you are not running out of thread.

Are you trying to tighten the nut with the strut loaded (wheel on the ground)? If not, try that.

Do not put a tool on the shaft to 'hold' it.
 
Use a "strap" tool on the shaft to hold it--the rubber belt device that tightens around shafts.

In a pinch you can also wrap the jaws of a set of vice grips with lots of racer tape and tighten it on the shaft as lightly as possible and you should not mar or hurt anything.

Generally, you should never touch the shaft, but in certain circumstances, you have no choice.

Cheers.
 
Ben, a follow up to the other thoughts. Did ya put the flat washers back on. Not a good place to lighten the car.....
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See ya in October at the Farm ?????
David
 
Thanks for the good info - here's the plan
1. Put the car down and try to tighten under load or,
2. Raise the car an use a rubber strap to hold the shaft or,
3. Add a shim washer to eliminate any play

If I add a shim washer the top edge of the shaft nut will be above the thread - is that a no-no?

I put new calipers on tonight - any bets on a post with questions about that project???

biggrin.gif
- The Glen in October? YOU BET! If I have a healthy car, I'm running for the win!!!!

Thanks!

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BenSpeed
#33 ITS RX7
BigSpeed Racing
[email protected]
NNJR
 
Lubricate the threads. Make sure the nut isn't bottoming on the threads. Use an impact wrench. Hold the shaft with your hand--it shouldn't need much force.

Also check that the slop is not in the spherical bearing.

Tak
#29 ITA
SFR SCCA
 
"Hold the shaft with your hand--it shouldn't need much force."

Hey, let's keep that kind of talk off this forum!
 
Originally posted by bldn10:
"Hold the shaft with your hand--it shouldn't need much force."

Hey, let's keep that kind of talk off this forum!
Click to expand...

If I grind up some viagra will I get a better grip??? (OK, really going downhill now)
 
Vise grips with a couple small pieces of ABS plastic or other material at the highest point on the shaft. It doesn't take much to stop the shaft. All you need is snug with the plastic locking in the threads. Add a marker or paint line on the top of the nut/shaft to visually inspect for any loosening.

Jeff
 
Well - the winner is...the ball itself is loose enough to give some play.

Tak is the correct technical advisor and wins a new GT1 Corvette...

The idea about using the ABS plastic is good. I did try tightening with hands, rubber strap wrench, and grips with tape - none really had that much grip, but the nut is now tight. And I didn't injure the shaft.

Thanks
 
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