Originally Posted By: Bgallagher
What about using a torque wrench and torque it to spec? There shouldn't be any clunk if it is in specs otherwise there is an issue with the strut.
Because tightening it is a pain in the arse to begin with. An offset wrench for the nut and a hex key to hold the strut still. A helper might be needed. Adding a torque wrench means you'll need a special torque adapter. Most people will have to go buy or rent tools for this.
The strut mounts may have failed. What I would do is have an "ample" friend bounce the front of the car and listen for the knock.
Zapping it with an impact just runs down the nut, which should be self locking. The torque isn't amazingly critical. Usually the torque spec on a self locking nut is drag torque of the nylon plus a little extra. The torque isn't super critical, because the nut keeps itself from spinning.
If the nut is loose, it is likely the fault of a tech with a torque wrench. It may have clicked if he bumped a strut mount nut while torquing. The tool may have been set incorrectly. Who knows. Maybe it's cross threaded.
If you have an impact, zapping it ensures the nut is spun down. It may not appear loose if you try to turn it by hand.
