Strut mount washer

[Bix VT]

alright, I own a '97 SC2, just put H&Rs, KYB GR2s, and new strut mounts on tonight. one problem: one of the stuts got that little hex head on it stripped out while we were tightening it. now, the nut is on there tight, the only problem is...we forgot to put on that little metal washer between the strut mount and the nut. so my question is: how essential is that washer? the hex head hole on the strut is not salvageable at all. it's shot. so, if this washer is neccessary, then I'll basically have to buy a new strut.

if you guys could let me know how important this washer is, I'd be very appreciative.

[TheMU47]

usually pretty necessary. Driving ok with no noise?

FYI - you could hold the strut's piston shaft with something that doesn't score and get that nut off up top.

[Bix VT]

I didn't actually try driving it, I didn't want to risk it until I found out how important it was.

I'll try getting that nut off though. what would you reccomend using that wouldn't score it? do you think vice grips with some rubber inbetween the teeth would work alright?

[SupraCharged007]

def. necessary, you hit a big enough bump, the mount will fall apart and the strut rod will fall through the mount ..... seen it happen

[DrBoost]

I didn't actually try driving it, I didn't want to risk it until I found out how important it was.

I'll try getting that nut off though. what would you reccomend using that wouldn't score it? do you think vice grips with some rubber inbetween the teeth would work alright?

Ive used vice grips before without any other protection, and never had problems. a quick sting with an air compressor should lossen the nut enough as well, if you have an air compressor available.

[SupraCharged007]

yea an air compressor and a good gun will get it off and put it back on without even having to touch that stripped out part.