strutt brace fitting

[D.K]

I picked up my S3 strutt brace today and will hopefully be fitting it tomorrow but i need to know what size bolts to use, I'v read in other threads that they should be M8 or M10 but how long do they need to be?
Please help

 

[Balf2k]

Can't remember the exact size I used but they were M8 bolts, i'd say you want a minimum of 20mm long. Just go buy anything 20mm orlonger then you can cut them down to size. I don't know if it matters but I jacked the car up and suspended the whole front end off the ground with 2 axle stands, I would imagine that the turrets would be in a 'slightly' different position if the car was sat on its wheels, especially if only one side is jacked up at a time, probably doesn't matter but it's just a thought and it's the way I marked / drilled my holes in the turrets.

 

[Willie]

I used M12.
I had to have the hole drilled out for these but this is a very snug fit. I also have Nyloc nuts with spring washers, all stainless steel of course. It ain't moving.
The hole is suitable for M10 but with M12 its not moving. M8 would probably suffice, it's up to you.

 

[Balf2k]

Yeah definitely go bigger if you use stainless as they are quite weak. I personally prefer to use strengthened bolts. Each to their own

 

[Willie]

Yeah definitely go bigger if you use stainless as they are quite weak. I personally prefer to use strengthened bolts. Each to their own

Quite weak!!!
LOL
6 x M12 bolts holding a strutt brace is weak.

 

[Balf2k]

What I meant was using 6x M8 'stainless' bolts is something I wouldnt of used, like I said if using stainless then i'd personally use bigger (M10 or M12 for example) for more strength. I only used M8 bolts because they were HSS ones, that's all I was getting at. Im sure using M12 stainless would be even stronger than what I have used. I hope I have made my point a bit clearer... I was NOT saying that using M12 stainless bolts is not recommended.

 

[DPJ]

Yeah definitely go bigger if you use stainless as they are quite weak. I personally prefer to use strengthened bolts. Each to their own

Stainless weak? nonsense. A2 stainless is as strong as an 8.8 bolt. Not a situation where you need to go to a higher grade.

I wouldn't use M8 - too small.

I used M10, ensuring the drilled holes were tight for the bolts. That's more important here than going to M12 IMO.

 

[D.K]

It's all on now
I could'nt get any S/S bolts so had to settle for M10's with lock nuts the only problem with them was i had to cut them to lenth so i need to try and find some caps for them now
I'll post up some pics later

 

[Willie]

Feel any difference?

 

[D.K]

It feels a bit tighter but i have'nt pushed it hard yet, I might go for a quick spin in the morning before the F1 starts

 

[Bosher]

fitted mine today... had the holes drilled for over a week now but not had time to fit it. I used M8 x 25 S.S soc cap bolts. Plenty strong enough for the job. with 2mm thick S.S washers underneath and Aerotight stiff nuts. The holes were drilled 8mm clearance (= 8.5mm).

Can definitely feel a difference... now just gotta wait for my rear one to turn up...

 

[Deleted member 19366]

Come on then flash knickers where's the photo's. I take it that it doesn't hit the engine cover

 

[D.K]

Noi mate it clears the cover
I'v been a bit lazy today after taking the misses shoping watching the F1 then mowing the lawn i could'nt bo botherd to get the camera out I get some tomorrow

 

[Deleted member 19366]

Glad it clears the cover. Hopefully I'll find out in nxt day or 2 weather my mate can get them stickers made up, soon as I've found out will let you know.
Dave

 

[D.K]

Here we go

I need to sort out something different with the bolts as i think they look a bit rough

 

[Deleted member 19366]

Looks go mate, well done. I def think the coach bolts would tidy it up a bit more.

 

[Willie]

The bolts are doon sides up are they not??
If they come loose they'll fall out, suppose that way you'll know they are loose

 

[D.K]

Yeh i put the bolts up from underneath, I might try them the other way round.
I did think about coach bolts but was'nt sure i'd get them tight enough as the tops are smooth

 

[dirtbiker]

I don't think coach bolts would be a good idea to be honest.

When I get round to buying and fitting mine I'm planning on using cap or dome head Allen screws, spring washers and dome nuts to keep the threads clear of road muck.

With the bolt heads down (like you've got) I reckon some chrome dome nuts would look best (or you could paint them black which would also look good).