trouble removing front struts

[black93sho]

I need to know how to get the front strut bottom out of the steering knuckle. I removed the pinch bolt but it still wont come out. Does anyone have a special trick to getting it out. Need help ASAP!

 

[Ishodu]

Pry it open at the back using a screw driver or a chisel. It should let go then.

 

[black93sho]

Should I remove the c/v.

 

[black93sho]

I cant get it out no matter what I do.

 

[Xs SHO 1]

Use a pry bar about 3-4ft long, use the subframe as leverage, push down on the control arm....

 

[NoSlo]

here's what I did

Remove the pinch bolt completely. The ball joint won't come out with the nut in, the nut fits through a notch on the ball joint. Turn the wheel so you can get to the back of the knuckle where the pinch bolt goes through. Hammer a flathead screwdriver or chisel into the little slot to spread the knuckle (don't cut the ball joint boot!). Leave it in there.

Use a 6 foot prybar. Put the prybar in under the subframe and above the front tension strut. Push down.

 

[revhardSHO]

Prybar has worked for me every time. May have to stand on it for a few seconds be she'll come...

 

[black93sho]

Thanks for all the help. I will try that tomorrow.

 

[SHOGrabber]

May have to stand on it for a few seconds be she'll come...

Doesn't she get mad!

 

[SHOGrabber]

On a side note. Don't you put the jack stands under the body rails which are directly under the driver and passenger foot wells. Then put a jack under the side of the wheel you are working on. Then remove the subframe bolts on that side and lower the jack which will lower the subframe on that side and it will slide off the strut easily. Then you are able to put it back together easily in reverse.

 

[Xs SHO 1]

On a side note. Don't you put the jack stands under the body rails which are directly under the driver and passenger foot wells. Then put a jack under the side of the wheel you are working on. Then remove the subframe bolts on that side and lower the jack which will lower the subframe on that side and it will slide off the strut easily. Then you are able to put it back together easily in reverse.

You need to be careful when you do this. These "rails" will actually bend over time if you use it for jack stand mounting points. Remember, most of the weight is in the front where the engine is. Most of use us the sub frame for jack stand mounting. But to replace sub frame bushings, make sure the car is properly supported. Safety first....

 

[DHMag]

On a side note. Don't you put the jack stands under the body rails which are directly under the driver and passenger foot wells. Then put a jack under the side of the wheel you are working on. Then remove the subframe bolts on that side and lower the jack which will lower the subframe on that side and it will slide off the strut easily. Then you are able to put it back together easily in reverse.

itd work if you had the engine support brace installed. in reality, thats overkill.

i just remove the strut pinch bolt, and use my punch and 32 oz ball pein on the top of the knuckle. a few good whacks and its free. then again, ive been working on Texas cars