Has anyone installed the M7 Strut Bar? If so, did you have any problems trying to mount the brackets on the tower strut?

My problem is trying to get the nuts back on the tower strut bolts. When I put the screw back on the bolt, the other side lifts up and I am not able to get the screw on the bolt. Basically, the plate is not sitting very flush on the tower strut. Looks great and easy to install... but I having a tough time trying to get the bolts on. I even took the cross bar off.

novice wrencher needs help.

 

I wonder if your towers are already slightly mushroomed?

 

You have mushroomed strut towers is my best guess. How many miles on the car ? If you want call me and we can discuss some options . Call before midnight PST and after 9 am tomorrow.

Randy
M7 Tuning
818 497 4341

 

thanks randy. the mushrooming effect looks like the problem.

i have about 40k miles.

talk to later...

 

mjwong6

the brace was a breeze to install no matter if you're a novice or an expert. You must have a musroomed tower IMO.

 

Agreed. Mine was a snap, and the fitment was spot on!

 

Like the other posts... sounds like your towers have mushroomed a bit.. that sucks .

check out these recent threads regarding your issue. Good luck.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=61264
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=60826

I don't drive hard, but the roads in Chicagoland can be brutal due to potholes I'm thinking of getting the M7 strut tower plates for insurance

 

I am waiting on my M& strut bar and I hope my install goes well. I only have 8500 on the car, so I hope I did not cause any mushrooming! Sorry to hear about your issues, hope you get things squared away!

Garrett

 

hey garretwp... if you didn't lower the car you should be ok. I live in S.F and the car is lowered. SOOOO.... the mushroom effect is going to happen to mini drivers in my town.
looks like i am going to bring out the old rubber mallet and start banging llike a head banger. :impatient

if i don't do that and randy suggestions doesn't work... well...

M7 Strut Bar For Sale!!! I'll keep you guys posted.

 

Best of luck, the M7 Strut bar is a nice piece and would be a shame for you to get rid of it.

Garrett

 

I can remember the exact pot-hole that I mushroomed my car. The H-sport springs and the STB took a little more time than normal to install...but the STB will straighting a little of my old mushroom and prevent more...talk to M7 and they can help you for sure...something about a 2x4 and a BIG hammer LOL..any questions feel free to send me a PM -- Johan

 

I had a slight mushroom on my driver side strut tower. Nothing to worry about, but im glad i switched to the M7 from the JCW.

 

I just received my strut tower brace and I have one question. I heard that you will need to replace the strut tower bolts as they are only to be used once. Is this correct? Can the stock bolts be reused? Or do I need new bolts? Waiting response before install! Can not wait to long lol!

Garrett

 

I reused mine and they haven't come loose.

 

Hmm, never heard bolts should only be used once, have always known people to reuse the stock ones in the past with other braces as far as I know of.

 

I have never heard that before. The bolts can be re used but do not over tighten. I think we use 25 ft lbs as a guide. Back in 02 when I tried my first SB I over tightened and broke the bolt. I ended up just thru bolting it with a stronger unit. Not the end of the world in any event

Randy
m7 tuning

 

MINI does say to replace them, as they do with a lot of there bolts, but you are safe to use them again. but like randy said they do not need a lot of torque. 25 ft.lbs. is correct.

 

Thanks guys! I just wanted to say that M7 has shown that they have some awesome support. I called them earlier and got no answer. I get a phone call later on when I was on my way into work and it was M7. They gave me the same advice and they were a great help. I am glade to see a vendor as well as a company to offer not only great products but the support to back it up! Thanks again guys and a.

Garrett

 

Well I just installed the strut bar on my car, a very easy task! The torque on those bolts are not tight at all! Do not over tighten those bolts. I have one concern though. I have an 05 and when I go to **** the hood, there is a huge hood gap, especially in the middle of the hood. I do not want to remove the heat cover from the hood of the car. What has everyone else done to all the hood to sit normal with the strut bar installed?

Garrett

 

Nothing. I have had the bar on for about 6months and the gap has shrunk to about 50% of what it was. It doesn't bother me much. Peter of M7 had mentioned swapping out the hood insulation for insulation from an earlier built car which he can supply you with.

 

Hmmm, would I be able to take the insulation off and and try to thin it down? I would rather have no gap at all!

Garrett

 

I don't see why not. Do it and show pics and I might be inclined to do mine too

 

I will give it a shot. I just have to figure what part of the insulation to remove.

Garrett

 

soak ur liner real well, jus that area where tha liner meets the cross bar put sum weight on it and let it dry...be real carefull removing those body clips!!
dont remove insulation try this first.

 

Did you break the clips when taking it off?

Garrett