PSD

I replaced the struts and mounts on the front end of a 97 Firebird.
The old units were so rusty I had to grind off the top nut from the strut piston.
With the new units installed, the passenger side mount failed and the strut piston pulled completely out of the mount taking the metal sleeve from the mount with it. The top nut didn't loosen, the metal sleeve just de-bonded from the rubber mount and pulled out the bottom. This happened while going over a speed bump according to the driver.
The mounts were brand new KYB. I noticed they were made in India.
Not sure if the mount was just junk or if I missed something. The old struts were so bad I couldn't tell if a washer went under the nut.
Any ideas? Anybody have a detailed diagram of strut assembly? The instructions included with the mount were not helpful at all.
picture of sleeve attached. Nut was tight against sleeve.

Atrus_SS

iTrader: (1)

Was the isolator/bearing plate (whatever it's called) installed?



I am guessing it wasn't. This should go between the mount and the nut.

PSD

you're right. not.
i was told be another f-body owner that the part wasn't necessary and that it just trapped moisture and promoted rust.
the originals were so badly rusted I couldn't tell what i was working with.
It looked like a just piece of rubber. Now I see it probably has a metal plate bonded inside.
I'll be ordering a pair and putting them in asap.

Atrus_SS

iTrader: (1)

Just PM'd ya.

PSD

Got it, thanks a lot.

Atrus_SS

iTrader: (1)

NP - hope they work well. Mine are en route to me now and should be delivered on Friday.

egod

iTrader: (1)

had the same issue with mine, went through my second pair or strut mounts and now I think I know why. looks like i'm gonna need to get those parts too.

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

That piece distributes the load across the mount. Without it you're putting all the pressure on the bonded metal sleeve and, well, as you can tell, that sleeve will rip out of the rubber.

egod

iTrader: (1)

perfect, I guess, thanks!

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

BTW, you can get the moog ones for only like $5 each off Rock Auto.

rocket22

iTrader: (2)

Hard lesson to learn, I have done it myself

PSD

mine were so rusty i couldn't even tell what was in there.
the instructions with the struts and mounts show generic pictures that are no help at all.
Anyway, I got my top pieces from Rock Auto and slapped em in today. Not easy to see, but in first pic, the rubber was pulling down at least an inch too much.
Before:

After the fix, no rubber necking down, just flat:

camaroz98

iTrader: (1)

blew threw 3 sets since i didnt know about these and who ever put the struts on before me didnt install them. didnt know they even sold them been drawing my own up to be cnc'd till yesterday now 3 sets of mounts, 2 sets of tires and $25 for those parts its fixed! this is why i love ls1tech so much info.