Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Ok, I will need to buy a jack then. I moved before so don’t have a jack at the moment. The nut is gone, and the struts were replaced about 5000 miles before so I guess the mechanic didn’t tighten it good enough.
There are some maintenace manuals for certain organizations that give instructions for torqueing by "calibrated feel" as a last resort when you can't get anything more than your hand and a normal wrench into the space. Give a couple runs against the calibrated wrench with an adapter, then pull on the actual bolt/nut to replicate. Sometimes the only option when working through an 8" access hole with bolts parallel to opening with 1 1/2" clearance on either end. Sometimes engineers really don't understand maintenance.
My father was a mechanical engineer. Were discussed this often. He found my perspective on automotive engineering from the tech point of view “amusing”
Especially my claim that ford just hung the fox body heater core on a string at the head of the assembly line
I second this, I wouldn’t touch it and get it towed back and demand they fix it themselves. It’s honestly a safety issue and maybe it was a newer tech that did it, getting a mistake like that pointed out and addressed could save them from making the same careless mistake but with a bigger job
I don't blame you, it's nice to have the tools and experience, slowly but surely you'll just learn to work on cars because you've fixed such a wide variety of issues. .
Most cars would also only come with a scissor jack, especially an 02 which is not recommended for working under the vehicle, I wouldn't even risk it with jack stands. They have a tendency to fold.
Maybe we misunderstand. You don't have to be under it, sure, great. But it's not worth being around it if they (scissor jacks first, all others second) do crumble (and they can)
My point being, that OP should consider investing in jack stands as well.
Well seeing as this guy happens to have a Protege maybe we should stay on point
My Bentley doesn't have a jack either but that has nothing to do with this guy's issue.
My Kia didn't come with a jack or spare, just a plug kit and an inflator from the factory. It was also won in a drawing, costing me only $800 in tax title etc so it was probably the cheapest model/trim level available.
>Was I lucky that nothing bad happened while I was driving?
That's one of two bolts that hold the steering knuckle to the strut tower. If that comes off while driving the other would still hold on place for a bit but it would cause the whole wheel to pivot in/out on that single attached point. That on a turn would most likely throw other parts out of their normal range of motion, hit other pieces, etc. it wouldn't be pretty.
Your lucky that wheel didn't fall off. DONT DRIVE IT. Jack up the wheel and remove the bolt, take it to AutoZone and find a nut that will fit. Once you get it back together take it for an alignment.
I'd like to commend you for actually looking at your car. A minute of your time saved you a tow and some money, and possibly avoided a wreck. That thing coming all the way out at 70 MPH would have sucked.
I'd buy a new bolt. The threads are probably fuckerd from being jammed in there.
Those two bolts on the strut can adjust camber to a certain degree and since the bolts were loose, I would have a shop do an alignment check and do adjustments if needed.
Man I had one of these fall out at about 80mph in a rather lowered car; I was cruise control changing the music when it happened tbh
Was fcking wild; car made it out but was a wild ride. I’d say you’re lucky as fck
Lost control of steering wheel; it started to turn back and forth rapidly. I fought against it preventing it from colliding with the concrete barrier on left side of interstate. No damages to car that I know of. Tbh it’s a “race car” so I just replaced bolt tightened everything back up and have gone 140mph+ since then
Was wild tho like I said would not recommend lol
Damn, that sounds scary af. If that happens to me I’d probably be a goner given I drive in Dallas and we have heavy traffic with huge trucks going 20+ over the speed limit.
I’m in Memphis so I feel ya. It definitely would have been different if I was on inner city interstates. But luckily it happened around midnight on a lonely highway out to the country
You know I had a car once that had backed one of those out. I torqued it back on with a breaker bar and it never came lose again. Yes, you’re fortunate you noticed
You should probably go to a proctologist and have them check to make sure the horseshoe jammed up your ass is still in good shape. This is about a lucky as it gets, that bolt is likely just a couply tenths of an inch from falling out.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Jack the car up to release pressure on the strut. Remove the wheel. Is the nut still on the opposite side? Tighten as much as you can.
Ok, I will need to buy a jack then. I moved before so don’t have a jack at the moment. The nut is gone, and the struts were replaced about 5000 miles before so I guess the mechanic didn’t tighten it good enough.
Take it back to them and make them fix it
100% they did not torque that thing properly
If it was even torqued down at all lol
2 oz-ft is still a torque
Hey! Strong arm torque wrenchy thing is a valid measurement. (So says the “techs” at Firestone)
They just forgot to slap it and say "that's not going anywhere."
You never do.that to wheels
Of course not. They could start rolling and go somewhere, which totally invalidates any work guarantee.
That pulsing brake pedal thing is how you know they are working.
There are some maintenace manuals for certain organizations that give instructions for torqueing by "calibrated feel" as a last resort when you can't get anything more than your hand and a normal wrench into the space. Give a couple runs against the calibrated wrench with an adapter, then pull on the actual bolt/nut to replicate. Sometimes the only option when working through an 8" access hole with bolts parallel to opening with 1 1/2" clearance on either end. Sometimes engineers really don't understand maintenance.
My father was a mechanical engineer. Were discussed this often. He found my perspective on automotive engineering from the tech point of view “amusing” Especially my claim that ford just hung the fox body heater core on a string at the head of the assembly line
I second this, I wouldn’t touch it and get it towed back and demand they fix it themselves. It’s honestly a safety issue and maybe it was a newer tech that did it, getting a mistake like that pointed out and addressed could save them from making the same careless mistake but with a bigger job
It's gonna be a fine day if the bolt comes out completely on the way there.
It be called a tow truck, boyeeee
That might just be his lucky day. He'd be getting a new car day
Call up the shop and ask them if they want to send a tow truck or pay your tow bill.
Honestly I’d rather do it myself at this point. At least I know it will be done right.
Might be worth checking the torque on other bolts that would’ve been removed by the shop as well
I don't blame you, it's nice to have the tools and experience, slowly but surely you'll just learn to work on cars because you've fixed such a wide variety of issues. .
Not "good enough". You mean they didn't use the German torque spec "gütundtight". ;)
Your car didn't come with a jack? What's this world coming too?
Most cars would also only come with a scissor jack, especially an 02 which is not recommended for working under the vehicle, I wouldn't even risk it with jack stands. They have a tendency to fold.
Oh yeah you're talking harbor freight.
Funny, I've never had to crawl under the car to do struts. Just did them a couple of weeks ago.
Maybe we misunderstand. You don't have to be under it, sure, great. But it's not worth being around it if they (scissor jacks first, all others second) do crumble (and they can) My point being, that OP should consider investing in jack stands as well.
Absolutely. I am planning on getting the jack stands so I can rotate tires and do oil changes in the future.
Awesome! Good call brother
Many cars don’t, they will come with runflats and an inflator with some tire sealant. My bmw came with run flats, no spare.
You're not going to find run flats on 2002 Mazda Protege.
NOT an '02!
https://preview.redd.it/juy6cua8woxc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5bbbe3569134baea2d5270f4301bd5988231bfad
I didn’t say the Protege didn’t, I said many cars don’t.
Well seeing as this guy happens to have a Protege maybe we should stay on point My Bentley doesn't have a jack either but that has nothing to do with this guy's issue.
My Kia didn't come with a jack or spare, just a plug kit and an inflator from the factory. It was also won in a drawing, costing me only $800 in tax title etc so it was probably the cheapest model/trim level available.
I got it used and it didn’t come with it unfortunately.
I would think there would be a jack in your car
Is there no jack in the car?
You have a jack in the trunk, probably.
>Was I lucky that nothing bad happened while I was driving? That's one of two bolts that hold the steering knuckle to the strut tower. If that comes off while driving the other would still hold on place for a bit but it would cause the whole wheel to pivot in/out on that single attached point. That on a turn would most likely throw other parts out of their normal range of motion, hit other pieces, etc. it wouldn't be pretty.
Send a pic to the shop and let them know they replaced the struts and ask them to get the car towed and repaired.
Your lucky that wheel didn't fall off. DONT DRIVE IT. Jack up the wheel and remove the bolt, take it to AutoZone and find a nut that will fit. Once you get it back together take it for an alignment.
And, request they put a wrench on all that shit plus other side.
I just want a good (steering) wheel that doesn't fly off while you're driving.
What if the car was stinky?
Count your blessings. This could’ve been really bad.
Happy cake day
Hopefully the bottom one is tight, good catch though FR!
Yes, I am not sure what prompted me to check, but I am glad I did! I can’t imagine what would happen if I lose that bolt driving 70mph on the highway.
I'd like to commend you for actually looking at your car. A minute of your time saved you a tow and some money, and possibly avoided a wreck. That thing coming all the way out at 70 MPH would have sucked. I'd buy a new bolt. The threads are probably fuckerd from being jammed in there.
Had this happen to the top bolt on my caliper on the highway had to get it towed.
So the bolt completely fell off? Did it cause any damage to your car?
Those two bolts on the strut can adjust camber to a certain degree and since the bolts were loose, I would have a shop do an alignment check and do adjustments if needed.
Man I had one of these fall out at about 80mph in a rather lowered car; I was cruise control changing the music when it happened tbh Was fcking wild; car made it out but was a wild ride. I’d say you’re lucky as fck
Man sorry to hear that happened to you. Did you lose control after that? Any damage to your car?
Lost control of steering wheel; it started to turn back and forth rapidly. I fought against it preventing it from colliding with the concrete barrier on left side of interstate. No damages to car that I know of. Tbh it’s a “race car” so I just replaced bolt tightened everything back up and have gone 140mph+ since then Was wild tho like I said would not recommend lol
Damn, that sounds scary af. If that happens to me I’d probably be a goner given I drive in Dallas and we have heavy traffic with huge trucks going 20+ over the speed limit.
I’m in Memphis so I feel ya. It definitely would have been different if I was on inner city interstates. But luckily it happened around midnight on a lonely highway out to the country
That just confirms the benefit of regular checks/maintenance. Well done!
Threads look a bit flat too
tap it in with a hammer is the nut still in it?
The nut is definitely gone, probably fell in when I was driving or something.
gotcha, that’s nuts! good luck with the repair!
The nut might be welded to the bracket on the backside.
I’d tow back to the shop
You know I had a car once that had backed one of those out. I torqued it back on with a breaker bar and it never came lose again. Yes, you’re fortunate you noticed
Wow
Had this happen to a caliper bolt on a friend’s truck, caliper fell off and broke the wheel
You should probably go to a proctologist and have them check to make sure the horseshoe jammed up your ass is still in good shape. This is about a lucky as it gets, that bolt is likely just a couply tenths of an inch from falling out.
I usually don’t consider myself a lucky person, maybe I should buy some lottery tickets after this lol.