Installed New Bilstein shocks, need help with a small mistake

[Markbe35]

Hey Everyone,

I installed new rear Bilstein shocks this weekend and made a small mistake on the divers side. I placed the nut on the bolt at the bottom and missed placing it in the sleeve. I didn't notice the error until after tightening the bolt completely, crushing the sleeve. I tried repairing it but one side is too folded in. Everything tightens up OK but the nut loosens a bit while driving (clearing what the sleeve helps prevent).

So what are my options? I was thinking of simply adding blue thread locker to replace the intended purpose of the sleeve to prevent the nut from loosening. Is this enough? Other options?

Thanks,

Sponsored

 

[Rp930]

You should be able to bend the tab out slightly and install it correctly.

 

[Markbe35]

You should be able to bend the tab out slightly and install it correctly.

I was able to fix the top of the tab and the left side to a point. The right side is crushed completely. I'm not able to move it at all.

 

[OxyGenIII]

Try adding a small lock washer on the outside and worst case, a new nylon lock nut. Both together should prevent what the tab is designed to do.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

See if you can get a big flat blade screwdriver in there and pry it up.

If that's not possible, I'd get the correct size Nylock nut and install that with a washer.

 

[Markbe35]

See if you can get a big flat blade screwdriver in there and pry it up.

If that's not possible, I'd get the correct size Nylock nut and install that with a washer.

Would thread locker not work here, maybe in addition to a lock washer?

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Would thread locker not work here, maybe in addition to a lock washer?

Thread locker will certainly work, it's just gonna be a lot harder to remove if ever needed.

The Nylock nuts also hold well in areas that are subject to vibration since they damp a lot of it out and I don't think those bolts are torqued all that tight.

 

[Langwilliams]

I did this too an it was above the exhaust so it was too tight to mess with bending it back out so I just put a little blue loc tite on it an it's been a year. If I ever do a cat back I'll straighten it out then.

In my defense the exhaust was in the way of seeing it LOL. Word of advise do the drivers side first to get a good view before doing the passenger side.

 

[Markbe35]

I did this too an it was above the exhaust so it was too tight to mess with bending it back out so I just put a little blue loc tite on it an it's been a year. If I ever do a cat back I'll straighten it out then.

In my defense the exhaust was in the way of seeing it LOL. Word of advise do the drivers side first to get a good view before doing the passenger side.

Good to know, thanks for replying.

For me, I was trying to get the bolt through when the shock slipped out. The nut dropped at the same time and I didn't put enough focus on that side leading to the error.

I will use the blue loc tite and see how it goes.

 

[Markbe35]

I did this too an it was above the exhaust so it was too tight to mess with bending it back out so I just put a little blue loc tite on it an it's been a year. If I ever do a cat back I'll straighten it out then.

In my defense the exhaust was in the way of seeing it LOL. Word of advise do the drivers side first to get a good view before doing the passenger side.

Have you tested the torque on that bolt to see if it is still good? Or use a paint pen?

 

[Langwilliams]

Have you tested the torque on that bolt to see if it is still good? Or use a paint pen?

Nope but I'd notice the difference if one of the shocks wasn't connected. I over tightened them...I used my German torque wrench...."Goodentight"

Sponsored