I just bought/installed Monroe quickstruts in the rear of my neon. I had a big problem with getting the third hole aligned on the top end. One of the struts I had to drill a new mounting hole to get the second threaded hole in the mount (since I F'd the threads accidently trying on the first). The other side, I had to rent a spring compressor and relieve the tension so I could turn the top mount about 20 degrees since it didn't line up right. Just wondering, has anyone else has had these problems with Monroe's quickies?

P.S. - They're installed fine now and working well so far, but next time I'll probably just opt for strut replacement only

 

If you had to drill new mounting holes, it sounds like you did something wrong. That is not a "normal" procedure by any means.

 

I agree. I didn't want to have to do that, but as I wrecked the threads on the strut mount for the normal hole, I had to improvise (I work 7 days a week and could not wait and get another unit). Problem is, it never lined up right in the first place. I had replaced one strut before, using a junkyard part (entire assembly used) and it went right in...the Monroe never lined up right, even when it was in on the spindle and jacked up into place. I talked to a guy I know who builds cars, and he figures it will be fine, but wtf, why didn't it line?

 

Maybe it is a defective unit? New parts can be broken.

 

perhaps you got struts packaged in the wrong boxes?

what were the Monroe Part numbers???

 

171578, 171579...I ordered them on Amazon, but cross-checked with Autozone. The part numbers are correct. I also know I didn't have them swapped or anything. They have the mount for a rear sway bar on them (which faces the rear if the car). Oh, well. Just figured I'd see if anyone else had this problem. Apparently not. It's not that big a deal I suppose, since I got them in and all.

 

No, I had the same problem. The OEM struts have 3 studs and 3 nuts. But the Quickstruts have 2 studs and one hole for a bolt.

I got one side in fine but I crossthreaded the bolt into there pretty bad because I couldn't get it to line up either so I just left it.

So don't worry you are not alone, and it really shouldn't affect anything just make sure you get it aligned.

 

I knew I couldn't be the only one. That kinda sucks for a part that's supposed to go right in. Oh well. I don't think an alignment is necessary, I only did the rears since I had one blown unit...haven't touched the fronts. I could be wrong, but no alignment needed right?

 

You should have it checked. There is an alignment spec in the back.

 

Mine was out of alignment after I did mine, it's your call though. The left toe was out pretty good. So it wouldn't hurt.