mdb_75

Thanks Mark, I'll have a look there.

Have you still got the built in nuts on your shocks then or have you got aftermarket shocks?

It seems the bolts are extra fine thread 1.25mm pitch too.

markforrester99

Ah shite!

I fitted aftermarket items, They don't come with the welded nut on them so the nut and nyloc solution was pretty good. OEM has that bloody nut welded on.

Not sure what the original thread is, you might be able to find a suitable item via a search on the internet. The only other option is to break the nut off of the shock ensure that the surface is flat and true and then use a new nut and bolt. Alot of agro thou for little gain.

I found it very difficult to find a suitable high tensile bolt in that size so to find it in a finer thread will probably be even harder.

sorry to give you duff info mate!

you could contact margnor.co.uk and see if they can source them?

mdb_75

That's alright, it's good of you to help!

Just looked on that site, but it doesn't seem like they have what I need. I think I'll have to get an OEM bolt, they're getting on for £10 though.

markforrester99

I have found 8.8 grade bolts in that thread type but as its a critical part of the car i would want to ensure it had a higher grade fixing on it. I remember my old metro gti i fitted coilovers on. One day i tried to remove the suspension and couldnt get the bolt out. It had bent due to the loading. Was stuck solid in the bush. Was a cheap 8.8 bolt.

CHIPPO

Look up your local "fastener" suppliers they should al be able to get the bolts with the correct thread pitch for the OEM shocks , as said it most likely 1.25mm. I was able to get 12mm x 1.25 castle nuts for the ball joints in plated.

For new non OEM shocks 12.9 would be the grade to go for. Easyiest ones to get hold off will be cap heads

Marine grease or water proof silicone grease is the product for the bolts through the sleeves and adjusters, As these products resist "water wash out" marine grease is desgined for use in salt water locations. Copper grease/slip is not water proof and will wash out.

8.8 are ordinary high tensile bolts , pretty much the norm nowadays. Stainless steel bolts are rated lower than 4.6 normally and very weak, no good for any high load application, unless of course you can up the size to compensate.
"

Floppy

Out of 5 cars I've either done or helped to do only once was there a seized bolt for the shock and it was a front n/s one. As others have said Polybush do them at a reasonable price and did next day delivery when Whaninoz and I had that problem with the car when we were doing it for Simonix.