Cant get the rear strut off :ohreally:

[jonheese]

Anyone else replace the pinch bolt with grade 8 hardware?

I'm pretty sure Ron Porter has done this a few times, and always recommends it whenever someone is struggling with rear pinch bolts.

 

[pjtoledo]

one of the cheap and dirty tricks I use to break loose the rear knuckles is a 1/2" breaker bar and any size deep socket. once all the necessary bolts are removed and the knuckle still refuses to budge, put the socket next to the strut and on the top lip of the knuckle. (looks like 2 pipes side by side) the head of the bar will be just under the bracket for the sway bar, position it so the contact is very close to the head. that creates about a 12 to 1 lever ratio pushing on the socket. you only get a 1/4" of travel, but thats enough to work in some oil and get things moving. one of the reasons the knuckle gets stuck is the off-center forces. any pushing that isn't directly in line with the strut can cause the knuckle to tilt sideways a bit and it jams on the strut. up here in the rust belt, it really gets jammed on the strut


Perry

 

[Radical540]

...the grunt force necessary using hammers, pry-bars, levers, etc. just isn't worth it. After doing my own a few weeks ago, I did another side-job (rear struts) last night using the air-hammer method. Doing this, the knuckle slides off the strut like butter.
I'm not sure why anyone would want to put themselves thru the struggle any other way
?!?!?

 

[zblackbeast]

Would you like to pay to get an air system set up in my house and buy me all the required air tools to work on these cars? If so i wouldn't "struggle" with hitting and prying.. ****.. if i had air tools i would have finished all my repairs on thursday.. But here I am still putting things together the "hard" way.. So really.. if you would like to pay to get air in my garage, by all means I will use them every day..

 

[SHO1]

Yes, air is great and works wonders, but although some here have it as well myself and you apparently do too, Most don't, so I'd say that's why the stuggle.

 

[Radical540]

Harbor Freight 10 gallon air compressor............. $125 (on sale) or less sometimes
Harbor Freight Air-Hammer............as low as $9.99 (on sale) $12.99 regular
Harbor Freight Air-Hose and fittings.........maybe $20 (probably less)

.......it's all about working smarter-- NOT harder!

 

[zblackbeast]

Ok, now here come another variable IF i was able to just to buy a good compressor and set it up.

1. Not my house.. I'm 20 and don't know how long i will be living here and if i move out to an apartment.. where the **** am i going to store a 10 gallon compressor?
2. Again, im 20. I don't make a whole **** of a lot of money and i wouldn't use a compressor enough to justify spending 150-200 on one. Not only that, but your only talking about air hammer. if i have air im going to want an impact, sockets to go with it etc.. more $ i don't really have.

Now, in 10 years when i have a house of my own, sure, ill have air tools... But until then, its just not a feasible option for me right now.. If i, or any one on this forum, could have air tool.. I/we would!

 

[Radical540]

....I guess with my mechanical background, I wouldn't even consider doing a job without at least a few tools to make my own life easier. Otherwise, I'd just have someone do the job for me. (which ironically why I do 3-5 side jobs a week.........it's a pretty good unofficial 'part time' job)

About 4 months ago, the "pump" part of my air compressor died. (after all, it was 18 years old). I immediately came home and start searching feverishly online to find a replacement pump-- or entire compressor. My wife couldn't understand my sense of urgency when I got home. But I explained to her the utmost importance that an air compressor has in my shop, and the sense of urgency. She just looked at me, and said "........well.......you go on with your bad self then.........." and left the room.


Cheers!

 

[Rubix]

I prefer using a hammer and prybar not only because of what Clay said but because I prefer doing things the way I learned to do things with my Grandpa. Banging on things with a hammer and standing on prybars is the slow but steady work that helps me relax and reminds me why I enjoy working on cars. Zipping through things with air tools only makes me feel rushed, more likely to be frustrated, and that's somewhat how my job is, rushed and often frustrating. I like to keep cars a relaxing hobby, not work.

 

[Radical540]

I prefer using a hammer and prybar not only because of what Clay said but because I prefer doing things the way I learned to do things with my Grandpa. Banging on things with a hammer and standing on prybars is the slow but steady work that helps me relax and reminds me why I enjoy working on cars. Zipping through things with air tools only makes me feel rushed, more likely to be frustrated, and that's somewhat how my job is, rushed and often frustrating. I like to keep cars a relaxing hobby, not work.

Hey...it's your labor not mine. Using pry bars and hammers, you're more likely to have a mishap and either break a tool, or hurt yourself. (just something to consider)
I take if you've probably never wrenched on cars for a living?? Those of us who have- would probably staunchly disagree with everything in your above paragraph.
The only vehicle I own that I (somewhat) "enjoy" working on is my race-car. But even with that car I have my moments...............
Cheers!

 

[jonheese]

I think that was mostly sarcasm.