[KevM2]

I'm about to install a strut tower brace and just realized that with the brace there will be an extra 3-4mm length added to where the tower bolts sit onto the brace... the oem M2 bolts are M8 x 30 x 10.9.

Should I be getting the M3/4 bolts instead since these are longer by 3mm (M8 x 33 x10.9)?

[detroitm2]

Originally Posted by KevM2

I'm about to install a strut tower brace and just realized that with the brace there will be an extra 3-4mm length added to where the tower bolts sit onto the brace... the oem M2 bolts are M8 x 30 x 10.9.

Should I be getting the M3/4 bolts instead since these are longer by 3mm (M8 x 33 x10.9)?

I'd be surprised if the strut brace did not come with the proper bolts if it's meant to fit an M2.

[KevM2]

Originally Posted by detroitm2

I'd be surprised if the strut brace did not come with the proper bolts if it's meant to fit an M2.

I got the Racing Dynamics brace and it doesn't come with its own bolts. You're supposed to use the oem ones. These are single use so I have bought new ones but I could get the M3/4 ones which are slightly longer to account for the extra brace plate width.

[DanG]

I am under the impression that the stock bolts work fine. I have the Racing Dynamics strut brace coming on Wednesday. They do not mention added bolts or the requirement to get longer bolts.

[KevM2]

I should have the longer M3/4 oem bolts by the end of the week and will let you know if it's a better fit on the brace than oem ones.... I just see this work in the same way as one has to get longer bolts when adding a wheel spacer... otherwise you decrease purchase of the bolt rendering it less effective... mind you 3-5mm is probably not a whole lot

[DanG]

Originally Posted by KevM2

I got the Racing Dynamics brace and it doesn't come with its own bolts. You're supposed to use the oem ones. These are single use so I have bought new ones but I could get the M3/4 ones which are slightly longer to account for the extra brace plate width.

The bolts are not single use. They are standard bolts. I just installed my strut brace and easily reused the OEM bolts.

[SM2]

Which brace OEM?

[Anthony1s]

Originally Posted by SM2

Which brace OEM?

SHOW OFF! lol

[KevM2]

Originally Posted by DanG

The bolts are not single use. They are standard bolts. I just installed my strut brace and easily reused the OEM bolts.

Hmmm they looked like they were the aluminum type which are always single use. Did you torque to the recommended 30Nm + 90degrees?

[DanG]

The bolts are not aluminum.

And the instructions from Racing Dynamics tells you to reuse the bolts.

[KevM2]

Originally Posted by DanG

The bolts are not aluminum.

And the instructions from Racing Dynamics tells you to reuse the bolts.

I'm going by the information from newtis.info:

[Anthony1s]

KevM2 is correct, the bolts aren't intended to be reused according to BMW.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by Anthony1s

KevM2 is correct, the bolts aren't intended to be reused according to BMW.

What can I say? The bolts were in perfect condition when I took them out. They are made of steel. I see no reason that they could not be reused.

Also, the strut needs to be removed for some of the M2 maintenance.

[detroitm2]

Yeah, I didnt replace those when I had my camber plates installed (twice now). Even if BMW recommends replacing them, I honestly cannot see any reason why. If for whatever reason it did snap/back out, its not like all the sudden your car isnt going to work.

[SM2]

Originally Posted by Anthony1s

SHOW OFF! lol

Sorry

[Anthony1s]

Originally Posted by DanG

What can I say? The bolts were in perfect condition when I took them out. They are made of steel. I see no reason that they could not be reused.

Also, the strut needs to be removed for some of the M2 maintenance.

They are torque to yield bolts, designed to stretch once tightened to provide extra clamping for high impact areas. If you reinstall a bolt that has exceeded it's elasticity, it won't be able to provide enough force to hold the parts together. That is the reason they shouldn't be re-used.

Now, will you have a problem down the line... no idea.

[KevM2]

Originally Posted by DanG

The bolts are not single use. They are standard bolts. I just installed my strut brace and easily reused the OEM bolts.

Can you tell me what toque spec you tightened the two single bolts on each side? I went to 25Nm but I feel maybe it's too tight? Is it supposed to be lose enough to allow some articulation?

[DanG]

Originally Posted by KevM2

Can you tell me what toque spec you tightened the two single bolts on each side? I went to 25Nm but I feel maybe it's too tight? Is it supposed to be lose enough to allow some articulation?

Mine had 3 bolts on each side. I don’t have a toque wrench so I just tightened them with a socket wrench.

[KevM2]

Originally Posted by DanG

Mine had 3 bolts on each side. I don't have a toque wrench so I just tightened them with a socket wrench.

I meant these:

[DanG]

Originally Posted by KevM2

I meant these:

Same, hand tighten with socket wrench.

[KevM2]

Originally Posted by DanG

Same, hand tighten with socket wrench.

Just need to know how tight because I tightened it to the point the aluminum flanges on the brackets got pushed until there was a tight contact with the cross bar.... hopefully it's not too tight because as I understand, it should be loose enough to allow vertical movement around that hinge

[atlas]

Any review/feedback on that RD strut bar? Any noticeable improvement?