Strut cup pinch bolt direction...why?

[Nuje]

Been curious about this one for a while: Manual is very specific about the replacement pinch bolt (#14 in diagram below) on the strut cup point forward, so head of bolt is pointing to rear of car and nut is at the front-more part of the car.

But yet, EVERY strut I've taken out (all of which have looked to have been factory originals) have the bolt / nut in the opposite orientation (head of bolt at the front).

So, my question: Why the specific direction, but factory installed in opposite direction?

 

[Zak99b5]

That seems totally random. Been a few years since I took apart a MkIV suspension--is there something in the way of removing the bolt on one side and not the other?

 

[Nero Morg]

The point has to point forward for aerodynamic. That's why it's a point. Also, sarcastic. But I've installed them both ways with no issues.

 

[RexNICO]

If I recall correctly, some similar era VAG cars (Passat B5, Audi A4 & A6) if the bolt is inserted from the front, the bolt can have clearance issues out the backside. It might have a real purpose, or just became a consistency issue with the manuals??

 

[gmenounos]

I thought about this when I was recently replacing my front suspension. I think maybe it's for safety. If for some reason the nut wasn't tightened and falls off, if you stop suddenly, maybe the bolt could fly forward, out of the strut cup.

 

[Zak99b5]

On the B5 the lower rear control arm bolt is installed from the factory such that you need to either cut a window in the subframe to remove it or cut the bolt. The latter is the normal way. On reinstallation you reverse it to remedy the issue.

 

[Stupendous60]

I was taught it keeps water and dirt out of the nut preventing excess corrosion.

 

[Zak99b5]

But that orientation puts the nut at the front.

 

[Stupendous60]

Sorry, I shoulda said nut to the rear

 

[Mongler98]

nut to the rear

That's what she said!

 

[MukGyver]

general rule is place the bolt with the head on top or in the forward position.

 

[Stupendous60]

That's what she said!

HA! thought that when I wrote it