Question for CTScott..

[yaris1F8]

Hi CTScott.. If i want to tighten the top of my shock.. do I have to remove the cowl covers to do this ?? Can i just remove the rubber on top of the shock and go with a ratchet ??

I feel like the top of shock might need to be tightened..

[CTScott]

I have done shocks the lazy way, with not removing the cowl. It is pretty tight, but if you pop the rubber cover, use an L-shaped allen wrench for the center and an offset box wrench for the outer nut, you can do it.

[CTScott]

By the way, if you think it needs to be tightened because there is a gap on top of the strut tower, it probably does not need to be, as that gap is normal.

[yaris1F8]

Hi CTScott i know about the gap and its even on both sides.. im just preparing for tomorrow morning.. because im bringing my car to 191 motorsports.. i will ask the guys to check the bolt holding the shock.. and also the sway bar bushings.. lets see how this will go.. I just hate noises when im driving... makes me go crazy...LOL:evil:

[tk-421]

We should have an "ask CTScott" thread. I'll bet it would be huuuuuuge. :thumbsup:

[yarisugi]

Apparently all members, old and new, already know.
Hence the thread title. lol.

[yaris1F8]

Hi CTScott how many pounds to put on the front shocks.. i went to get some craftsman box end keys.. the one on drivers side was incredibly lose.. do i make it tight until it wont go no more ? The back shocks were also very lose.. those were easy to do.. but i just dont know how far to go.. Can you tell me ?? :confused:

[CTScott]

Hi CTScott how many pounds to put on the front shocks.. i went to get some craftsman box end keys.. the one on drivers side was incredibly lose.. do i make it tight until it wont go no more ? The back shocks were also very lose.. those were easy to do.. but i just dont know how far to go.. Can you tell me ?? :confused:

The top nut should be 41 ft-lb.

[yaris1F8]

Ok but what if i put it tighter... iv given it couple of turns...

Tell me CTScott does the front end need to be off the ground to tighten up the top shocks.. do i have to use the hex also to tourq it ?

[CTScott]

Ok but what if i put it tighter... iv given it couple of turns...

Tell me CTScott does the front end need to be off the ground to tighten up the top shocks.. do i have to use the hex also to tourq it ?

I don't think it would hurt it to over torque it a bit, since the strut shaft is mighty tough steel.

You don't have to have it off the ground to tighten them.

If the shaft looks to be rotating then you have to use the allen wrench. If you are using a socket, it is very difficult to tell if it is rotating.

[yaris1F8]

I purchased a set of box end keys... at sears, craftsman life time warranty .. so with this i can see if the hex is turning.. The shock is nice and tight now.. Since i have a small slope in my garage ill check it tomorrow when i pull her out..

Why were the back shocks so lose..? I was moving them with my hand.. but now they are nice and tight..

[yaris1F8]

Ok after tightening up all the shocks, car is going a lot smoother.. now ill have to tighten up the ball joints and tye rod end..