Chad Rebuck wrote: > Should the metal flange fastened to the top of the strut rod fit snugly > against the strut tower (the body of the car)?
No. The flange you speak of sits on top of the big rubber bushing that should protrude about 1/2" above the strut mount hole in the top of the strut tower. The bushing should be sitting on top of the upper spring perch, with the strut bearing sitting in the recess in the top of the bushing. The shock piston rod goes through the hole in the center of the bearing. The flange goes on after the strut assembly is in the strut tower, then the large hex or spanner nut (depending on if you're using VR6 or A2 upper strut bushings/bearings) with washer goes on the threads of the shock piston rod. Normally, the only time the flange should ever come close to hitting the metal of the strut tower is when the car is jacked up with the front suspension at full droop. If it hits while driving, something ain't right. --Holland [email protected] San Jose, CA
