I am changing out my suspension and need to get new nuts for the JCW strut brace, because i have heard that you cannot reuse the nuts...

I was reading a thread that was sending mixed messages on whether we can get the nuts from a hardware store or not... so, can we get them from a hardware store or do i need to order them from MINI????

Also, if i do need to order them, how much are they???

Thanks again everyone,

Allen

 

If you are talking about the three nuts on each of the strut tops, no you don't need to replace them. I reused mine when I installed my M7 strut brace & all has been fine. 13,500 miles of motoring without a problem.

 

just use some loctite blue if you're ****, but i reused my strut tower nuts
and also the nut on the piston shaft. btw don't over torque those strut
tower nuts. it only needs a snug tight with a small 3/8" drive (25-30lbs)

 

Awesome.. .thank you guys for the help..

Allen

 

Yeah, I agree about reusing the original nuts - I did on my 02 and it was fine.
On my new car, the nuts seem to be "short bolted", meaning a situation when a bolt is installed and the thread does not fully protrude through the nut. This is bad because it risks the thread stripping. The bolt or stud must protrude a few thread widths in order to secure the full gripping power of the retaining nut. I am going to find a jam nut, or some locking type shorter nut to redo the fitting.

Interesting related website someone recently showed me : http://www.boltscience.com/

 

I guess I should've figured there's a body of science on the subect of bolts! I've seen it's interesting how important the "hardware" can be when you're building up a trick setup. Thanks for sharing that site with us, Peter.

 

The JCW nuts (also used on the M3) are special ones, that have a thread that protrudes through the strut brace to make sure that they're all the way on. A group of us here in Australia bought some from the USA, worked out to about AUS$35 each for us (6 nuts), whereas locally dealers want about AUD$30 EACH for them!

 

I think the key to reusing them as others have said is to make sure you do not over torgue them. 25 ft lbs is the target.