Need Help Installing Noltec Strut Top Bushing

[Karthalin]

Hi, first post here on the Australian LS1 forums. Been searching these forums for awhile, full of awesome information! And thanx for the GTO guys, its one of the best cars I have ever driven :)

Ok, enough kissing ass. I am installing the Noltec Strut Top Bushing into my 2005 Pontiac GTO (Holden Monaro). I am also installing Pedders GSR strut and 1" drop springs. I put the strut/spring back together with the Noltec Strut top and bushing. It doesnt look like I installed it correctly unfortunetly. The strut top bushing is at a pretty extreme angle, and there doesnt appear to be enough thread from the strut rod to poke through the tower and attach the bearing and the nut. I have pictures (at home, I need to host them from my friends server) that I can post later to help describe what it looks like. So.. until then, does anyone have any pics of a Noltec install or helpful hints advice? Thanx for any help in advance :driving:

[HDVZMonaro]

Hi mate,

I did this same job yesterday with Nolathane strut top bushes. A few things that could I see that could cause your problem are:

The spring is not seated correctly on the top or bottom spring mounts,
The rubber spring insulation bushing for the top spring mount is not aligned correctly,
The bump stop may be jammed, thus causing the bush not to seat correctly,
The washer below the bush may be upside down, and
The bearing in the bottom of the bush may not be seated correctly.

Have you compressed the spring with a spring compressor?

Here is a pic to help you out.

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w151/blade1000rr/Monaro/SAVE0160.jpg

Hope this helps.

[Karthalin]

Ok, I found out what my install problem was, now I managed to get everything assembled :)

Now the only problem is I installed the spring/strut and when I turn the wheel left or right I hear a loud "CLANG" every so often. It sounds like the spring is binding somewhere and releasing as soon as I turn the wheel enough. I havnt put the wheels back on and the car is still in the jack stands. I am going to take them out and take a look at things.

One thing though, the Noltec instructions did not say to re-use the spring insulating bushing, so I didnt. Its just metal to metal contact with the upper spring mount (and the strut where the spring sits)

[GHZ28]

Yep that will be the clang......I have new coilovers, which also do not use the isolator, and mine groans somewhat on turning now, after liberal application of lithium grease.

Spring bind is your problem, maybe best to put the isolator back in, and others may have some other ideas.

Garry

[Karthalin]

I am going to put the insulators (isolaters? I dunno) back in and see what happens. Thanx :)

Isolators installed. Things sounds silent, no bumps, clangs, or bonks. Thanx! :)