'87NA Front Strut Disassembly?

[OK-944]

I need to get my front struts apart ('87NA) to install new dust shields and bump-stops, and it looks like I should be able to slightly loosen the upper strut retaining nut while the strut itself is still in the car, then remove the strut and use my spring compressors to take the tension off the nut so I can then remove it.

I'd done this on my Saab 9-3 awhile back, and it really wasn't difficult. I do seem to remember that I'd put some bit of counterforce on the central allen fixture set in to the top of the strut as I turned the upper retaining nut, and my '87 944 upper strut looks the same...so my thinking is that the procedure should be basically the same.

But I can find no reference to such a procedure for the 944. Seems like everyone is saying "leave those nuts alone" and bring the intact strut assembly to a mechanic who has the "proper" wall-mounted spring compressor and an air impact gut with which to spin out the top nut (as needed when strut has first been removed and counterforce opportunity is gone). I'd actually gone this route with my (long ago sold) 85.5 944, but would rather do this myself.

So...I'd truly appreciate any wise words on the above - thanks!

[curtisr]

I think you'll find it best to use the spring compressors first, next mark the position of the strut at the bottom, remove the two bolts and then with help from clamping pliers (near the top) you can remove the top nut. Easy squeezy.

[OK-944]

Just to set this up...the engine is out, crossmember is gone, and the struts are hanging loose and floppy (but secured to the chassis with the four per strut mounting nuts at the tops of each tower) with calipers/pads/rotors removed.

So...I compress the springs with the struts in place as described above, remove the central top nuts, then remove the mounting nuts and drop the strut with the compressor in place - after which I (carefully) release tension on the compressors?

Or...I compress the springs with struts in place as described, then slightly loosen the top nut, and remove struts with central top mounting nut loose, and remove this nut after removing the still-compressed strut?

I guess another way to ask would be to verify that by compressing the struts while still secured to the car, that pressure would be somewhat relieved from the central locking nuts - thereby reducing brakeaway torque required to remove these nuts?

Hmmm...maybe I'm overthinking this and should just dive in.

[djnolan]

The only SAFE way is to use a spring compressor to compress the spring before attempting to remove the strut top center bolt. Whether the strut assembly is in the car or on a bench, there is way too much force on the spring to do it any other way. You could remove the 4 strut collar bolts, and drop the strut out and then chuck it in a vice to compress the spring and remove the center bolt. Just don't try to remove the center bolt without compressing the spring and taking all of the force out of it.

[Ernie944]

Originally Posted by OK-944

I need to get my front struts apart ('87NA) to install new dust shields and bump-stops, and it looks like I should be able to slightly loosen the upper strut retaining nut while the strut itself is still in the car, then remove the strut and use my spring compressors to take the tension off the nut so I can then remove it.

I'd done this on my Saab 9-3 awhile back, and it really wasn't difficult. I do seem to remember that I'd put some bit of counterforce on the central allen fixture set in to the top of the strut as I turned the upper retaining nut, and my '87 944 upper strut looks the same...so my thinking is that the procedure should be basically the same.

But I can find no reference to such a procedure for the 944. Seems like everyone is saying "leave those nuts alone" and bring the intact strut assembly to a mechanic who has the "proper" wall-mounted spring compressor and an air impact gut with which to spin out the top nut (as needed when strut has first been removed and counterforce opportunity is gone). I'd actually gone this route with my (long ago sold) 85.5 944, but would rather do this myself.

So...I'd truly appreciate any wise words on the above - thanks!

I know you'll like to do it yourself,we all do.But save yourself a lot of hassle & do the job safely ,drop it & bring it to a garage beleive me I did it many many time & it's the only way.

[OK-944]

Thanks Ernie...those are wise words.

My spring compressors are "bargain" grade, without safety pins - so I will likely follow your advice and go to my garage guy who disassembled the struts on my 85.5 - and seeing as how I later sold him that very car at a great price (he and his son needed a project)...he'll likely just do this for free.

[TheSecondChris]

I'm all for trying to do as much DIY as possible, but when it makes sense it's smart to utilize the expertise of a reliable shop for some jobs. But, if the lack of good spring compressors is the bottleneck, can you try the "rental" tool option at your local auto shop? Not sure if they offer this tool, though.

[jcommin]

Originally Posted by Ernie944

I know you'll like to do it yourself,we all do.But save yourself a lot of hassle & do the job safely ,drop it & bring it to a garage beleive me I did it many many time & it's the only way.

Ernie is right - I took my strut/spring assemblies to an auto shop. Actually it was my son's auto shop class at his high school after hours. The shop teacher walked the students thru every step. They had the right tool and it came apart very easy. I had new struts and they assembled them . I don't think it took more than 20 minutes. No hassle and it was done safely. I bought pizza and soda for the entire class.

[curtisr]

Originally Posted by Ernie944

I know you'll like to do it yourself,we all do.But save yourself a lot of hassle & do the job safely ,drop it & bring it to a garage beleive me I did it many many time & it's the only way.

I'm always surprised to see shop-grade floor-mounted spring compressors for sale on kijiji, etc. Some are as little as $80 Cdn.

If you decide to replace your current set, I'd recommend the Mercedes style. I think you'll find it's easier to slide in the more tightly wound coil springs.