need help

[tkddave951]

Trying to replace the front struts on my 86 turbo. I have removed everything but no matter what I try I am unable to get the top mounting bolt on the strut assembly out. It spins but will not come out. Is there some trick I am missing to remove it?

[ilikemy944]

The shock shaft will also spin, it should come loose if you hit it with an air gun. I had a local shop hit those nuts for me last time since I don't have an air compressor.

Originally Posted by tkddave951

Trying to replace the front struts on my 86 turbo. I have removed everything but no matter what I try I am unable to get the top mounting bolt on the strut assembly out. It spins but will not come out. Is there some trick I am missing to remove it?

[DannoXYZ]

Reach in underneath with big channel-loc pliers and hold the shaft.

I've also welded a handle to the outside of a socket. That lets me use an allen-key through the center of the socket to hold the shaft steady.

[djnolan]

Originally Posted by DannoXYZ

I've also welded a handle to the outside of a socket. That lets me use an allen-key through the center of the socket to hold the shaft steady.

The best way is to use a deep offset box wrench on the nut while holding the top of the shock with a socket. Sears.com

edit: what I really meant to say was if you don't have a welder the next best way is...

[tkddave951]

The nut is already off. It's the eccentric bolt that will not come out.

[944 Ecology]

If the bottom (non-eccenctric) bolt is already out, and the nut and the washer on the top (eccenctric) bolt have been removed, rotate the eccenctric bolt while tapping with a hammer. Tapping may not be enough, or the hammer may not be big enough, but I have never had one that did not succumb to that method.

[tkddave951]

The problem was that the rear eccentric washer was jammed inside 1 of the bolts threads. Resolved by putting nut back on and ussing 2 breaker bars to tighten the nut. Removed nut and washer came right off and bolt came right out.