240: Broken Strut Lock Ring

[VolvoScout]

The threaded lock ring for my Bilstein Touring strut looks to be broken, which I assume has been the front-end clunking sound I've been hearing recently.

Can this be purchased a-la-carte, or do I need to purchase an whole new strut assembly?

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/vol...65-240-touring

[IMG][/IMG]

[Redwood Chair]

You could post for one in wanted, but it won't do much good if the strut tube is stripped out.

[VolvoScout]

If the tube is stripped, would I have to source a "new" strut tube?

Also, will driving the car in this condition do any damage, or just make noise?

[2manyturbos]

You won't have any rebound damping with the lock ring loose like that. Kind of dangerous, TBH. The threads on the lock ring look fine and there are no threads from the tube peeled off and visible in the lock ring threads. It probably just was not tightened enough and worked loose. It would be normal for it to continue to work its way out.

[VolvoScout]

The ring actually looks to be missing a small portion of the bottom thread. (Difficult to see given the angle of the photo) Not sure if it's in the tube or broke off after it came unthreaded.

[2manyturbos]

It probably ripped off when you went over a large enough bump with only one thread still engaged in the tube threads. Any locking ring that will fit over the tube and piston/shaft properly will work. Make sure you clean out the threads of the tube before replacing the ring. A mechanic's mirror should work to see if the threads in the tube are still good.

[volvowagoon]

Originally Posted by 2manyturbos

It probably ripped off when you went over a large enough bump with only one thread still engaged in the tube threads. Any locking ring that will fit over the tube and piston/shaft properly will work. Make sure you clean out the threads of the tube before replacing the ring. A mechanic's mirror should work to see if the threads in the tube are still good.

+1

There' isn't a good way to chase those threads in the tube, but you could probably get away with just using a pic with how minimal the damage appears. You can use a thread file on the nut if you have one. After that, you should just be able to run that nut back in tightly and never worry about it again.