J.P.

How critical is the pinch bolt between the front shock, and the lower fork? I noticed when I had the front wheels off today that the bolt head is missing. The bolt is still in there, and seized solid. They are still tight together, and there is no sign of movement. (1990 EF hatch). I will obviously replace it - although I can see it being a bitch to drill out. I guess I am wondering if I should bother until I have to replace the shocks.

- JP.

D.T.P

You mean the 14mm bolt that holds the fork tight on the strut? If there is some thread holding it on each of the sides i'd say you are still ok, but would not drive on the hwy. Mainly because if you hit a bump hard the strut could potentially either slip out of the fork or get wedged in on an angle.

Do not mess around with suspension like this, brakes/suspension/steering should be dealt with asap.

J.P.

The whole bolt is still there, just the head is missing.the shoulder of the bolt sits in a groove at the bottom of the strut, so I know they can't come apart. By the looks of it, it has been missing for some time. I did not notice it in the spring when I installed my summer tires.