Help me assemble these struts!
Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2013 10:20 am
As part of my Eibach install, I am replacing ALL of my strut components... and I mean EVERYTHING (bearings, bump stops, bellows, spring insulators, etc).
I have looked at the GM diagrams, but I'm not 100% comfortable with the way everything has come together. Starting with the spring position/lower insulator - Is there a specific orientation this needs sit in on the spring perch on the strut? Comparing the new one to the old one, it doesn't seem to sit any particular way (there is no stop like on other struts I've worked with). Next item of confusion for me is the bump stops - I bought new ones but am not sure where/how they mount. I've seen some videos (other GM cars) where the bump stop fits into the upper strut bearing assembly. I have bought two sets of bump stops/bellows (DuraLast and Gabriel brands - both are slightly different) but neither fits INTO the upper strut bearing assembly - They basically bottom out on the metal of the bearing assembly itself, but don't fit inside it. I know that probably isn't described the best, but if you've seen these assemblies before, you probably have a good idea of what I mean.
Anyhoo - I've assembled the new struts the way I *think* they need to be put together but when comparing the factory strut set to my new Eibach one, they seem like their ALMOST the same overall height (not on the car yet, just comparing the two side by side).
Can anyone help here? I'm at a loss and am getting entirely too frustrated over a pair of struts.
I have looked at the GM diagrams, but I'm not 100% comfortable with the way everything has come together. Starting with the spring position/lower insulator - Is there a specific orientation this needs sit in on the spring perch on the strut? Comparing the new one to the old one, it doesn't seem to sit any particular way (there is no stop like on other struts I've worked with). Next item of confusion for me is the bump stops - I bought new ones but am not sure where/how they mount. I've seen some videos (other GM cars) where the bump stop fits into the upper strut bearing assembly. I have bought two sets of bump stops/bellows (DuraLast and Gabriel brands - both are slightly different) but neither fits INTO the upper strut bearing assembly - They basically bottom out on the metal of the bearing assembly itself, but don't fit inside it. I know that probably isn't described the best, but if you've seen these assemblies before, you probably have a good idea of what I mean.
Anyhoo - I've assembled the new struts the way I *think* they need to be put together but when comparing the factory strut set to my new Eibach one, they seem like their ALMOST the same overall height (not on the car yet, just comparing the two side by side).
Can anyone help here? I'm at a loss and am getting entirely too frustrated over a pair of struts.