Front strut bolts - re-use or replace

[MrWooFarkinHoo]

Hi all,
going to be changing my front struts in the next week or so and I have read (from genuine Holden workshop manual) that the two lower main bolts must not be used as they are tightened to a pre load state ie. the nut stretches the bolt. Being a fitter, I find this a bit ludicrous as in my line of work if bolts are pre loaded they should have a shoulder on them to prevent over tightening and possible bolt failure. BUT, I am not a mechanic - is this correct what Holden advises and if so can I buy them from a bolt shop?
thanks in advance
Tony

[bandit10]

If thats the case you would have to get new bolts every time you get a wheel alignment done as you have to loosen the 2 lower bolts to adjust the camber on the front end.
You can re-use the old one's, ive never had any issues with doing so.

No doubt someone else will tell you they must be replaced thought.

[Brett_jjj]

The camber is adjusted on the hubs of VR/VS.

[bandit10]

The camber is adjusted by a bolt on the hubs of VR/VS. not on the lower control arm pivot bolt

who's talking about lower control arms..??? no one that i see of..

To adjust the camber on VR/VS you have to loosen the 2 big bolts that go through the bottom of the strut that attach it to the hub assembly before any adjustment can happen.

[bandit10]

nice edit brett..

[woteva]

I replaced my struts a few weeks ago. The new struts came with new bolts + nuts.

[MrWooFarkinHoo]

Thanks guys, I'll just use the same bolts - it's not a race car. No wonder dealers bills are so expensive.

[Brett_jjj]

I didnt take notice of the question properly, I thought you was talking about the centre pivot bolts.Trying to keep up too many posts.Plus 100 kids running around me yelling.It gets confusing sometimes.Anyway as for the bolts that hold the strut to the hub assembly,Ive re-used them before no worries.I wouldnt re use them too many times though.Maybe 3 times max.Then Id replace them.

[bandit10]

lol i wondered where you got bottom arms from.. last time i checked they wasnt connected to the struts

[Brett_jjj]

lol i wondered where you got bottom arms from.. last time i checked they wasnt connected to the struts

yeah,funny that.I lost the plot with that one hey.

[bandit10]

lol finally cracked ay.. might be time to put the work shop manual down and move away from the computer hahaha (jokes*)

[Brett_jjj]

I would loose it then if that ever happened ,all I get to enjoy these days is my computers and my cars.

[Cheap6]

They are meant to be replaced each time they are loosened, which includes a making a camber adjustment. It doesn't seem to be a disaster if they are not - I wonder what the FOS is on them?

[immortality]

yes, those 2 bolts are torque to yield bolts. that is the bolts have been tightened to a point greater then there ability to stretch and return to there standard length when released. read this. this is for headbolts but the principle is the same

having said that. i have also re-used and not had issues with em.

the best advice i can give is that you re-use the old ones when you fit the new struts, then take the car for a wheel alignment and have them fit the new bolts so that all is set for trouble free motoring