I purchased two SACHS 316-534 front struts for my '07 EL. I also purchased two SACHS upper mounts PART # 803075 ALT # JSB4930S (Private Label package/closeout, was TRW's). Here is the issue. The strut rod that goes into the mount (threaded part) is NOT snug. It has clearance of perhaps 1/8 of an inch, or a bit less. I have checked several different websites and all list this strut and mount as the correct parts.
The current mounts are KYB & were installed in 2018. I'm fairly certain they are still fine, but wanted to replace them anyway since the KYB struts were such garbage. I've already returned a set of GABRIEL struts this month because they had MADE IN CHINA stamped on them....everything I read indicated made in USA, but, no.
Here is my plan...and opinions/comments are WELCOME. I will fit a bushing/sleeve, whether metal or nylon, over the rod to take up the gap & create a snug fit as it should be. I believe that will solve the problem. If I were to assemble the strut without doing so, I think it would be OK for a while but eventually would begin to shift & make noise.
Or, am I wrong? It that kind of gap acceptable in this application? Every shock/strut I can ever recall installing has either been a snug fit or had factory bushings to make it snug. ANybody el;se run into this issue?
The current mounts are KYB & were installed in 2018. I'm fairly certain they are still fine, but wanted to replace them anyway since the KYB struts were such garbage. I've already returned a set of GABRIEL struts this month because they had MADE IN CHINA stamped on them....everything I read indicated made in USA, but, no.
Here is my plan...and opinions/comments are WELCOME. I will fit a bushing/sleeve, whether metal or nylon, over the rod to take up the gap & create a snug fit as it should be. I believe that will solve the problem. If I were to assemble the strut without doing so, I think it would be OK for a while but eventually would begin to shift & make noise.
Or, am I wrong? It that kind of gap acceptable in this application? Every shock/strut I can ever recall installing has either been a snug fit or had factory bushings to make it snug. ANybody el;se run into this issue?