Snapped a strut bolt

[Shaggy]

So I snapped a strut bolt today on the front driverside. It was one of the three on top. How safe is it to drive like this?

[macipusy]

Probably ok if you drive nice and easy. I would replace the top hat as soon as you can. Those nuts are only like 12 ft/lbs of torque.

[Vandal_RS]

I disagree, I believe it is perfectly fine to drive around on only 2. The fact that they are only supposed to be tightened to 12ft/lbs proves this in a way. Many cars only have two (including the 08+ WRXs in the rear), and some only have one (old MkI and MkII VWs), although that is not really relevent. They are only needed when the car comes off the ground and you run out droop travel, like when you are jacking it up (or jumping it, if you are into that kind of thing). At all on other times, the weight of the carI drove around for two years with a front stud snapped off my left front mount in 00 2.5RS. The car was jacked up and down a LOT in that time period. I am almost positive at least once the front wheels came off the ground with the car in motion, as well, not that I recommend that.

And you don't need to replace the strut mount (the top hat is the metal piece that, along with the perch on strut, actually holds the spring). You can buy replacement studs from paranoid fabrications.

http://www.camotoy.com/products/saggybutt/index.php (half way down the page)

They say they are for 02-07 Legacys, but they will fit. You can email the guy if you want to be sure.

Vance

[kimokalihi]

Yeah but cars that only have 2 have them directly across from each other. Having only 2 of 3 makes it a lot weaker because they're offset meaning there will be leverage and you may eventually snap the other two.

[Vandal_RS]

Your right, the geometry is not same, and it is really not a great argument. But my point is the part is not under stress, the other two will not snap off. Those bolts are only necessary at all when you run out of droop travel, and 2 is more then enough to get the job done. Look at the size of those studs? Do you think a stressed part of any kind would use studs that are a 1/4" thick and can be snapped off with a 3/8" wratchet? Believe me, you are fine.

[Legacy777]

These bolts also provide and keep correct alignment of the strut top, and ultimately the strut.

[Shaggy]

I have new struts. My were horrible anyways so I got some 98 outback struts. The fronts are on but I'm having an issue getting the tophats of the rears.