Tidan

iTrader: (1)

Has anyone had an issue where the strut shaft doesn't turn in the strut mount with UMI caster/camber plates?
The lower body of the strut turns but the shaft doesn't when turning the wheels left/right and results in the steering feeling stiffer.

LarryD

Do you have dust boots over the? strut shaft See my thread I just updated about the dust boots binding the strut bearing.

Tidan

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the reply! I didn't use the dust boots/covers....they wouldn't fit with the UMI strut mounts.

LarryD

How about the flange at the top of the strut shaft hitting something in the strut mount or being too large a diameter?

Tidan

iTrader: (1)

The step on the strut appears to press against the inner bearing sleeve only, I can't see any place that it would be binding or catching. I'll get a pic shortly and post it.

Tidan

iTrader: (1)

350Iroc89

iTrader: (3)

I had the same concerns with my Founder's set of caster/camber plates. I talked to the shop that aligned it and they said it will loosen up and not to be concerned about it. They also told me that it wasn't necessary to run that washer under the nut. I was concerned about the locking portion of the nut not grabbing enough threads to do its job properly. It looks like we have almost the same set up. I just installed the Founder's plates and Koni yellows.

Tidan

iTrader: (1)

On mine the washer under the nut it part of a sleeve that shims down the bearing ID to fit the koni strut so I can't remove it. But I'd like to get the nut threaded on farther.

Tidan

iTrader: (1)

Has anyone else noticed this issue with UMI caster/camber plates? Mine still hasn't loosened up and still does not rotate.

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Have you checked that the bearing isnt binding/stuck/jambed ?

Tidan

iTrader: (1)

Before I put the plates on I tried to rotate the angular bearing but it wouldn't budge. Took a fair amount of force to make it angulate as well. I'm wondering if they're simply not designed to rotate?

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Its basically a spherical bearing/rod end. So it should rotate and change angle to allow the strut to seat properly. Maybe spray some brake cleaner or penetrating oil see if that frees it up a bit.

Tidan

iTrader: (1)

I did spray some superlube on it, in fact I soaked it pretty good but still doesn't rotate. The strut body turns but the shaft remains stationary.
Do yours turn?

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

I'll have to check, I know it pivots. Noticed that when installing/removing struts over the years, but rotation I've never looked at that. I just assumed they do. I know they're tight though, even after all these years

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Ok, i checked and mine does not rotate, but if i jack up the front end about 4-6" it does. So only when the load is removed from the tires, but i can turn the steering wheel with just a finger. Its never felt stiff/hard. Also my strut mounts (J&M) are going on 16 yrs. I haven't seen any negative effects form the mounts or to any strut i've used.

Tidan

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for checking 841LE!
Wondering if other peoples plates don't turn either.

I'd like to get my steering a little lighter as currently it won't self center very well when I'm coming out of a powerslide - steering feels pretty stiff.

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Maybe they rotate while one is driving. My steering wheel doesn't really return to center either, except maybe during slow turns like in a parking lot. I always felt that had more to with your caster setting.