Quick! Need help removing front strut!

carnutzzz · 11-07-2007, 05:28 PM

In the garage now- I've removed the top nut no problem, but the strut will not push down so I can swing it from the fender. I've pulled from the bottom. I've banged from the top. I've twisted it with no luck.

Any tricks?

Dueller · 11-07-2007, 05:33 PM

Disconnect the sway bar?

carnutzzz · 11-07-2007, 05:41 PM

Trying that right now...

JWLindsey · 11-07-2007, 05:51 PM

Where is it stuck? I just did both struts on my '87 last night and both dropped down with a shot of WD40 around the holes and then using a 3/8 extension as a drift with a rubber hammer to force the rod a touch when one stuck. The struts were totally blown, so it was easy to push once clear but I did manage to dent the bejeezus out of one fender when the insert popped free and whacked the underside on it's trajectory towards my melon, so mind that once its out.

Good luck and post pics if it's still buggered.

-JWL

rusnak · 11-07-2007, 05:58 PM

try removing the wedge pin and then prying or tapping the balljoint out of the bottom of the strut. It's much easier with the strut in the car. After disconnecting the tie rod and balljoint, it'll drop right out. Might want to disconnect the torsion bar adjusting cap too.

john walker's workshop · 11-07-2007, 06:12 PM

you need to get a prying device under the fender and up over the top of the dust cover, then pry upward to pull the strut down. i use angled sidecutters because they're always around to get the horseshoe clip off the brake line, and they fit the job real well. leave the sway bar on and do one side at a time or you will fight the sway bar.

carnutzzz · 11-07-2007, 06:26 PM

Well guys I appreciate the responses. I swapped the rears no problem but the driver side front is being a bugger. Tried the method you recommend John but just don't have a great tool for prying.

The car is going to Jack Lewis anyways so I'm going to have him do the fronts for me while it's there. Probably like having Emeril cook you a cheese sandwich, but what the hell.

Blue3.2 · 11-07-2007, 11:10 PM

I had a similar problem. I put a jack under the control arm (to keep the brake lines from bearing the load), and then used a rubber mallet to hammer the top rod and the upper strut housing. It gave up fairly quickly, then I pulled/pushed down on it like with everything I had (about 190 lbs) to compress the strut so it would clear the fender. Oh, and don't forget to tape the fender to prevent scrapes.

livi · 11-07-2007, 11:46 PM

And loosen the clip for the hard brake line on the inner wall of the fender. Push threw a bit of the line to be able to angle out the strut under the fender lip.

carnutzzz · 11-08-2007, 08:29 AM

Well I haven't given up yet boys, and I appreciate the responses. All are in line with the threads I read when searching for a solution.

I even had another Pelican at the house and we were both stumped at how it won't budge.

I haven't taken it in yet- I may have another go at it tonight, after picking up some pry tools per Mr. Walker's Workshop. I didn't pry too much as I'm worried about destroying the rubber ring at the bottom of the upper strut mount.

I know it can be replaced- but this car is supposed to head to the mountains early Saturday AM!!! Now I'm in a pickle since we buggered the threads on the old strut and can't get the old top nut to thread on. Doh! Need to fix it right or she's just going to sit now!!!

I'm trying to avoid dissassembling the front suspension too much for fear of what else might get buggered.

FinallyGotOne · FinallyGotOne's Garage

Have you (maybe a dumb question) lowered the hub as far as it will go?

carnutzzz · 11-08-2007, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FinallyGotOne

Have you (maybe a dumb question) lowered the hub as far as it will go?

Oh yes. I even applied some very positive pressure to the top of the caliper with my foot while MThomas58 pushed from the top! The wheel was removed- nothing but air under the rotor.

It's an odd scene, man. We banged on the top of the strut with a hammer, placed a 2x4 on top and banged on that, pulled from the bottom, twisted, cursed, read Wayne's book, read the Bentley, read posts...

On Mthomas58's '87 the struts practically fell out. This one feels like it's still actually held in with something, though we are able to see the top of the insert compress slight when we pull from the bottom.

carnutzzz · 11-12-2007, 12:08 PM

To close this thread out...

I finally admitted defeat and took it to Performance Imports since Jack Lewis never called me back.

They had a bear of a time with it as well. It seems that there was a rust issue at the top of the strut- thankfully none on the car.

They had it ready by the end of the day.