Strut removal problem

[pjtoledo]

Yeap - gray hair and a "huh?" reply is great, isn't it !

tain't gray, it's silver, or at least what's left of it

 

[RiceeatingSHO]

I can't get the spindle to drop far enough to get the assembly out...spring compressor or jack the car up higher???

 

[Mad Celt]

I can't get the spindle to drop far enough to get the assembly out...spring compressor or jack the car up higher???

Is the top still bolted in (IE the 3 bolts inside the engine compartment)?

 

[RiceeatingSHO]

Is the top still bolted in (IE the 3 bolts inside the engine compartment)?

I'm on the rear... and they can be if I need them to be. I am trying with them boted in and without.

 

[Mad Celt]

I prefer in, keeps the strut body up there while you're pushing down on the knuckle, savvy?

 

[RiceeatingSHO]

I prefer in, keeps the strut body up there while you're pushing down on the knuckle, savvy?

Understood. I'll bolt that mother back up and then jack it up a bit more.

Also, what should I do with that rear tension rod? It's out of the spindle but it seems to be putting alot of pressure on the spindle from the bottom.

 

[luigisho]

Shouldn't be too much of a problem. The pressure isn't that bad. You can disconnect the rear control arms at the spindle and get some wiggle room. Pry the pinch tabs some, use plenty of spray penetrant, and a jack at the bottom of the strut to get it moving inside the spindle.

 

[rsanders]

try a 5foot bar between the lower c/a and sub-frame

 

[RiceeatingSHO]

Shouldn't be too much of a problem. The pressure isn't that bad. You can disconnect the rear control arms at the spindle and get some wiggle room. Pry the pinch tabs some, use plenty of spray penetrant, and a jack at the bottom of the strut to get it moving inside the spindle.

Strut moves freely inside the spindle, just can't get it all the way out.

 

[luigisho]

If it moves freely and the strut rod is out then you should be able to pry the spindle low enough. Moving around the tension rod is tricky but doable. It will put tension back on the spindle but you should be able to push it just enough to pry the strut out. Just need some daylight and you can angle and fudge around until it comes out. It gave me trouble but I was able to do it and I'm no master mechanic. You can do it. Just be more stubborn (and a tiny bit smarter) than the car.