Vibration isolator?

[Texasolara86]

Please help a newbie car enthusiast out. What is a vibration isolator, what exactly does it do, and where would I go looking for one if I'm looking to upgrade to the TRD struts? Per the SuperStreet tutorial, it says that you need them for the front TRD struts... feedback is greatly appreciated!

[GzNutz]

Here you go: http://solaraguy.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=49764&hilit=trd+struts

[Texasolara86]

lol I know about the TRD struts for sale...you're not the first to try and pimp gregtrd's set to me! I'm trying to get more info on the vibration isolator.

[GzNutz]

Ahhh, I see.

[02slera]

im not sure, but i think thats the rubber between the spring and the part of the strut that the spring sits in. called a vibration isolator, spring isolator, or spring insulator. you should get new ones cuz the stock ones are most likely shot. they're not expensive and you can just get stock replacements. when i installed my tokico's i bought some isolator's from autozone or advance auto. you should get new (stock replacement) isolators, strut mounts, and boots to keep the dirt and debris out of the strut

[mdatrdcam]

No, the isolators are an actual trd part that fits into the strut mount. You need a special tool to instal, which is also made by trd. They're impossible to find, discontinued and without them your front trd struts are going to eat up strut mounts and start clunking everytime you go over a bump. Just a little advice from someone who owns trd struts without the vibration isolators.

[Texasolara86]

so are you basically saying that TRD struts are essentially useless without this special tool and discontinued part? Wow, I'm sure you must be very frustrated!

[Texasolara86]

I saw your post on the other website's forums...did that solve the problem or is anyone wanting trd struts just sh*t out of luck?

No, the isolators are an actual trd part that fits into the strut mount. You need a special tool to instal, which is also made by trd. They're impossible to find, discontinued and without them your front trd struts are going to eat up strut mounts and start clunking everytime you go over a bump. Just a little advice from someone who owns trd struts without the vibration isolators.

[mdatrdcam]

No no no, your not crap out of luck. You could either get lucky and get a set that won't make noise and perform perfectly or your going to get a set like mine that clunks around every turn and every bump. So the decision is yours. If I could do it over again I would get tokicos or coilovers.

[mdatrdcam]

I've actually managed to source an authentic TRD vibration isolator kit that's being shipped to me as I type this. So as soon as I get it I'll take pics and explain exactly what it is.

[Gregtrd]

Its a sleve that go's between the mount housing and the sleve where the trd strut slides in, it keeps the trd shaft from moving.

[mdatrdcam]

Yeah, exactly. I was just going to post some pics when I get it so people can actually see it and maybe figure out a way to replicate it. There is some special tool that comes with it for pushing it in, so I don't know if copies can be made of that, but I really don't see why they couldnt. It will be much easier to describe when I actually have it.

[mdatrdcam]

Ok so here are the pictures of the TRD vibration isolator kit I promised to take. If someone would like measurements of any of the pieces, feel free to let me know and I'll take them for you. I can take pictures of the rest of the TRD instruction manual if anyone wants them. There may be a way to replicate it, but the black pieces are rubber and I don't know how you would get that done
Enjoy-

[Gregtrd]

can you post the rest of the instructions? that almost looks like it replaces the bearing with a all rubber insert, can you post better pics of that insert.

[02slera]

Anyone could replicate the installation tool.
the exact dimensions of the insert and instructions are what someone would need to make their own.
though i dont think anyone will, the struts themselves are discontinued.
looks like its just a peice of rubber that gets pressed into the stock mount, but the rest of the instructions would verify.