Strut mount replacement bushing question

[Elkins45]

I replaced what I assume were the OEM rear struts in my Scion xB this morning. The replacements (Gabriel Ultra from Rock Auto) came with an upper mount that is different than the factory. I'm unsure just how much I'm supposed to compress the new rubber bushing. There were no instructions in the box and I can't find any guidance on the Gabriel website.

The factory bushings have metal on both surfaces and look like this:

The replacements only have metal on one surface and use a slightly wider nut to compress the bushing. The replacement nut has a nylon lock ring. I don't know how much I'm supposed to compress the new bushing. Currently I have them installed so there are a couple of threads protruding past the top of the nut but there seems to still be plenty of room left to compress the rubber. It sure would have been nice if Gabriel had given a torque spec for this

I took it for a test drive and the ride is vastly improved, but since one of them was completely dead that's not much of a surprise. I don't think there's any danger of them coming loose with the lock nut, but if they are under tightened then that might lead to them moving around and wearing too quickly. On the other hand if they're too tight it might ruin the bushing and destroy the ride quality. The good news is that it would be really easy to put the OEM mounts back on.

Advice is welcomed.

 

[researcher]

I know this might be a capt obvious moment.. Why not tighten down that center nut to the factory torque specs? The aftermarket HAD to know what that was and set up their bushing for that tightness/torque. I think that would end having to guess how tight it should be.

 

[doitmyself]

This link suggests 18 ft. lbs.. https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/resources/installation/tpd/2d89b59887f9d0d78825775100726a44_my08- scion xb shock set rev a.pdf

This link suggests the old struts were not OEM: https://toyotaparts.lakelandtoyota....base--1-8l-l4-gas/suspension--rear-suspension

I would do more internet searching, especially the Scion xb forums.

 

[D60]

I'd reuse that top washer with the rusty ring.

I just compress by eye. You want some preload without blowing it out. I've decided the whole thing is very inexact -- it just needs to provide a cushion but not rattle around. You need some preload for when the rubber inevitably relaxes, but too much just causes premature failure.

Sorry not the answer you're looking for I'm sure.

I'll also often ditch the aftermarket locknuts if they annoy me (often TOO tight) and just use threadlocker. These aren't mission critical fasteners.

 

[Dr_Dr3i]

Agreed ^^^ you want it nice and snug, something closer to "guten tight" rather than several "ugga duggas".

 

[Elkins45]

This link suggests 18 ft. lbs.. https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/resources/installation/tpd/2d89b59887f9d0d78825775100726a44_my08- scion xb shock set rev a.pdf

This link suggests the old struts were not OEM: https://toyotaparts.lakelandtoyota....base--1-8l-l4-gas/suspension--rear-suspension

I would do more internet searching, especially the Scion xb forums.

Thank you for those links. The shocks look different because you reuse the upper cover.

I can’t figure out how to use a torque wrench on that top bolt because you have to insert a torx bit from the top to keep it from turning when tightening the nut.

 

[doitmyself]

Thank you for those links. The shocks look different because you reuse the upper cover.

I can’t figure out how to use a torque wrench on that top bolt because you have to insert a torx bit from the top to keep it from turning when tightening the nut.

You use a wrench adapter on the torque wrench and do the calculations for increased length of tool.

 

[D60]

^^Oooh high compatiability <---not a word

 

[doitmyself]

^^Oooh high compatiability <---not a word

You goofed too, smarty pants. The ad reads high compatiablity, lol.

 

[IndyIan]

Thank you for those links. The shocks look different because you reuse the upper cover.

I can’t figure out how to use a torque wrench on that top bolt because you have to insert a torx bit from the top to keep it from turning when tightening the nut.

Fish scale, wrench, and some math?