Is this bolt suppose to be loose?

So I am hearing a "metal on metal" noise when I hit a nice pot hole, coming from the driver side. We checked all the bolts to ensure they are tight from the recent install of the 6112s. We also used thread locker on all bolts when putting it back together. So when we checked all the bolts just now, we only found one bolt loose, and thats the bolt that retains the top hat when the 6112s were assembled. I didn't assemble this myself. I had it assembled by the dealer and sent to me already ready to install. I have never assembled 6112s before, or any other coilover so I am not sure if those retaining bolts in the center top are suppose to be tightened down tight or just screwed down to a certain point of the threads. We checked the passenger side and it is "not tight" as well... so I am not sure if they are suppose to be like this or not. Here is a picture of the bolt I am speaking of:

 

Shouldn't be loose. That's the bolt that's securing your strut to your coil spring.

 

Well it wasn't "tight". It wasn't about to fall off or anything, but it definitely wasnt tight. I was able to turn it with only a short wrench (not much leverage) just using some wrist strength probably about 4 full 360 degree rotations.

 

Bilstein should have install instructions floating around someplace that'll probably tell you. They typically come with torque specs on all parts you touch during the install

 

a loose bolt doesn't serve much purpose

 

Note the top of the thread has a flat indent.

Find a, I believe, a 6mm open wrench to lock/hold, then use whatever size wrench to tighten the nut.

An adjustable pliers can work the same to hold head

Post op your response.

 

Just another thought...do you have the TRD Pro skid plate?

 

Do NOT tighten that nut. It isn't supposed to be "torqued." It compresses a rubber "donut" bushing, squeezing it until it is roughly the same diameter as the large washer right below the nut. The nut is a locknut (see the indent in the picture?) so it will not loosen. That rubber donut below the washer absorbs some of the shock of suspension movement, making everything a little quieter and more importantly, protecting mounts and components from road shock. It's part of the system design.

(And it's not the source of your noise, anyway)

Edit.....just re-read some of the thread. You've already tightened it 4 turns roughly. You should loosen it back up four turns, now, before the bushing loses its resilience.

 

Measure the other side and compare that to the one you said is loose, but as others have said I doubt that's your problem

 

I bring up the TRD Pro skid because a bunch of folks have had issues (myself included) getting that thing to not make a bunch of noise. It touches the frame in a few spots and even with proper install it’s not always quiet.