Roof strut

[Lensey]

I don't know if this is a common problem but one of my roof strut's has become quite loose and started rattling. I presume the pins have worn and need replacing? Can anyone let me know how I do this as I am sure I don't need to buy a new strut (or do I?)

[GreenV8S]

Haven't ever had to do this, but from the look of it you can loosen the bolts attaching it to the hoop and rear bulkhead, and move the end fittings slightly closer together.

[REV-EREND]

There is no real way to stop those loose
pins from rattleing.. but you can replace the
struts with the nice alloy ones from the
Griff / Chimp as they are the same size.

[Lensey]

quote:
There is no real way to stop those loose
pins from rattleing.. but you can replace the
struts with the nice alloy ones from the
Griff / Chimp as they are the same size.

Yes this is what I've got, I will try to push them closer together but if this doesn't work any idea how much new ones are? I bet you have to buy them in pairs as well?

[REV-EREND]

I think they are about £100 - don't know if thats
each or for a pair...

[GreenV8S]

quote:
I think they are about £100 - don't know if thats
each or for a pair...

I very much doubt you need to replace the struts, when they're pushed overcenter everything should be loaded and it shouldn't rattle. If it rattles, that suggests to me it's simply too loose.

[simpo one]

One of mine rattles sometimes (97 500). I think it's to do with the way the roof panel has been fitted - on my car there's a bit of play left/right when I put the panel in, and if I get it too far to one side, not only does the right strut rattle very slightly but one window doesn't meet the rubber at the top!

[Lensey]

I tried to tighten the bolt on the bottom but it just doesn't appear to get very tight. I was going to try and put a small washer on it but if I take the bolt off will I be able to put it back OK?

The pins in the strut have a lot of play in them.

[GreenV8S]

quote:
I tried to tighten the bolt on the bottom but it just doesn't appear to get very tight.

Are you saying the bolt doesn't come up tight? If so, I expect the bolt goes through into the boot, and the other side is spinning. Probably carpeted over so you can't get at it.

[simpo one]

'Probably carpeted over so you can't get at it.'

More like fuel-tanked over!

[simpo one]

NB: So if it's spinning aimlessly and you can't get to the back, how about using a special fixing from a DIY store, like some kind of rawlplug/bolt or gravity toggle that opens out on the other side?

[Lensey]

Are you saying the bolt doesn't come up tight? If so, I expect the bolt goes through into the boot, and the other side is spinning. Probably carpeted over so you can't get at it.

---

Yep, exactly what I found. I'll have a look tonight and see if I can get to the bolt at the back.