Assembling 'new' struts

[rubydist]

I did a search, but can't find any answers to this, so here is today's stupid question:

I just picked up some (low mileage) Tokicos and Eibachs, but in pieces. Of course, there are no spring retainers to put between the bottom of the spring and the strut perch. At rockauto, these things are like $20 each. Are they necessary, or can I skip them without having a bunch of squeaking/rattling as a result? (I notice that they are pretty thick, so it seems like the car would be lowered by another 1/4-3/8" by eliminating them....) Anyone have some relevant experience to share in this area?

 

[jpSHO]

I would just buy the spring insulator but I suppose you can use a rubbber hose of some sort that fits on the coil spring.

 

[SHObill]

rubber tubes on springs just retain water & rust faster. Just get a quart of that tool dip rubber stuff in your choice of color! Apply to springs &/or perch.

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Many folks run without them completely.

Myself included. 50k miles on this spring/strut combo without the insulators, and no problems to report.

 

[Rockledge]

I've heard of people cutting up old garden hoses to length and using them. I've never done it myself but it sounds like a pretty good idea...

 

[clindahl]

or get your self a can of the spray on truck bed liner, the rubberized stuff - and spray it on the contact area where the spring actually touches the strut. This stuff doesn't retain water, and pretty much doesn't come off

 

[jpSHO]

I had a rubber hose on one of my springs for about a year and I just cut it off and replaced it with a new spring insulator and there was no rust where I took the hose off. Anyway I would just buy a new spring insulator. It's cheap enough and then you know it's done right that way when you start to hear a funny noise coming from that side you will know it's not the spring instead of wondering if you should have bought one or not.

 

[Storm-Chaser]

That's why you should use the OEM rubber insulators, which are loose fitting, serrated rubber tubing that drain and dry rapidly, versus holding water.

rubber tubes on springs just retain water & rust faster. Just get a quart of that tool dip rubber stuff in your choice of color! Apply to springs &/or perch.

 

[Lorenr]

Home Made Insulators for the Struts

I'm all for saving money where it is possible. Spend the money on the important stuff like 60K and 120K maintenance issues.

I'm wondering about that black soaker hose that is available at garden centers. It would not hold water because of the perforations and would be about the right diameter. Very cheap and easy to obtain.

 

[93rev2sev]

That's why you should use the OEM rubber insulators, which are loose fitting, serrated rubber tubing that drain and dry rapidly, versus holding water.

yer thinking of a completely different part, storm. What you refer to are spring vibration dampers. These go all the way up the spring and quell residual vibration. OEM spring insulators are not as you describe. They are just rubber pads that go between the spring and the perch.

 

[Storm-Chaser]

But that's not what I said. You're taking it out of context, which was in reply to Bill's comment which I quoted.

That's why you should use the OEM rubber insulators, which are loose fitting, serrated rubber tubing that drain and dry rapidly, versus holding water.

rubber tubes on springs just retain water & rust faster. Just get a quart of that tool dip rubber stuff in your choice of color! Apply to springs &/or perch.