fortitude

I will tackle a noisy strut mount tomorrow. When setting the final torque on the center nut (connects to strut post) in the mount, can I install the strut (and all of the proper hardware) & tire, lower the car on tire then final torque it?

Are my figures correct?
Center nut 36 ft lbs
Top mounting nuts 59 ft lbs
Sway bar Link 55 ft lbs
2 Lower strut bolt/nuts 156 ft lbs

LeX2K

I don't know about those specs but yes torque the center nut after the strut is in the car.

Oro

Yes, you usually can't get the center nut tight until you drop the car on the ground.

Your values look corret from my memory; they will work.

fortitude

I completed the strut mount replacements this weekend. I followed ORO advice, from another post, to use 2 pair of coil compressors. It worked out well - I used the compressors with the safety locking pins.
When you release strut from the wheel hub, the hub will want to drop. I hooked a bungy cord around the hub and then hooked to body of car to prevent the drop. I also placed a floor jack under the hub to support it.
Also, followed the advice above regarding final torque once car has been placed back on ground. Again worked out well. A note to that - I just snugged the top three nuts on the mount when installing, then after I completed the bottom end, I placed the car back on the ground, I pushed down on the fender several times to final seat the mount. Then went ahead and did final torques on upper mount and center nut.

The Club Lexus forum has been very informative and helpful.

mmatheny

I the old days, you tightened the center nut until the rubber grommet was about the same size as the washers!

fortitude

Yes, I remember those days.... My first car was a 1976 camaro rally sport....

mmatheny

'65 Plymouth Belvedere with 273 w/solid lifters!