You sure that's fine?? I've been nervous taking turns hard in fear of the bolt breaking. It isn't a self locking nut, but I'm sure I can get one. I'm using a locking washer though

 

Lock washers are pretty useless. In the 60's and 70's all US suspension bolts were grade 5. They transitioned to grade 8 in the '80's. If it's a good quality grade 5 it's 100 times stronger than it needs to be. Think about it. It's supporting a Rubber bushing. How much weight do you think that rubber can take? Alot less then a 3/8" bolt can.


I'd be more concerned about the nut backing off. I'd get the real bolt from honda but, this'll do for now.

 

How can you tell the difference between a good or bad quality grade 5 bolt? If it's grade 5 shouldn't it all be the same?

Getting a locking nut shouldn't be difficult at all if the grade 5 really can hold up. So regardless you still recommend getting the Honda bolt?

 

I'd get the honda bolt because the SAE (American) Bolt's the wrong bolt to hold your honda together. As I said earlier, they're typically specially made to fit the bushing tighter than a normal bolt. What's a couple bucks when it's holding up your $20K car?

Honestly a grade nothing bolt is probably strong enough. I just wouldn't leave it in there longer than I need to. Get the honda bolt. It'll make you more comfortable with the car.

Using an SAE bolt's just 1/2 assing the job but, it'll do till you get the real thing.

 

The bolt I have is a metric bolt. It's the same size M12 as the stock bolt. I actually got a 100mm long bolt instead of the stock 85 to ensure enough room for the nut.

 

Look at the Honda bolt and make sure the bolt you replaced it with has the same shank diameter.

 

When I installed my Koni's I noticed how much the OEM bolt came through the Koni lower strutt.
Enough to put on an extra nut.
(I was thinking to put a "cap nut?" on it to protect the thread.)

Anyway...
With a new OEM bolt I think you have enough length sticking through for a nut.
That OEM bolt will be the right grade / strenght and the right size.
Your only problem is finding a M12x1.25 nut (of the right grade)

Succes

 

Nuts typically aren't graded like the bolts are. I'm not clear why from a technical stand point. Any decent nut should do. I typically buy the zinc-chromated ones, you know they's a goldish color, because they're rust resistant.

The other option it to body grind/file off the welded on nut and use a flat washer and locknut to keep things together. That would be a cleaner solution. If I was in your shoes, that's what I'd do.

 

Well I already went ahead and ordered a new stock bolt from Jeff. He will find me a suspension bolt that fit. That'll put an end to my worries

I should be fine on what I'm on now till then right?

Thanks for everyone's help!

 

Ek9 Posted on Aug 8 2006, 05:31 PM
They are.
Trust me
Bolts have grades (here in Europe) like 8.8, 10.9, 12.9
Nuts have grades like 8, 10, 12.

A strong bolt with a weak nut is as strong as the weak nut.
Not so much in this application, I agree, but nuts need to have strenght too.
Trust me

In this application.. maybe.
As long as it fits the bolt and you are able to tighten it to spec without stripping it.

Chitah831 Posted on Aug 8 2006, 05:40 PM
You mean "suspension NUT that fit" on your new stock bolt right?


Chitah831 Posted: Aug 5 2006, 05:44 AM
If it doesn't rattle (it is the same size being 12mm) then you are ok for now IMO.