Strut removal? Need help ASAP! November 08, 2014, 06:27:07 PM I am trying to replace the front struts on my 85. I have the pass side strut out, but the nut at the top is stuck on there tight. There is a slot in the top of the strut rod, looks like its for a big screwdriver. I bought the biggest screwdriver I could find, and tried to hold it in the slot while I turned the nut at the top, but I can't get it to break loose. Anyone have any ideas? Its sitting outside on a jackstand and I need to have it back together ASAP. Quote Selected
Strut removal? Need help ASAP! Reply #1 – November 08, 2014, 07:11:37 PM you really need to hit the nut with short bursts from an impact gun. thats the easiest way to do it, never tried any other way. same for installation Quote Selected
Strut removal? Need help ASAP! Reply #2 – November 08, 2014, 07:16:14 PM Put some PB Blaster on the nut and let it sit over night. Quote Selected
Strut removal? Need help ASAP! Reply #3 – November 08, 2014, 08:55:17 PM Ok, cool. Thanks. Quote Selected
Strut removal? Need help ASAP! Reply #4 – November 08, 2014, 10:50:18 PM I used a tire iron (the ones with a huge flad head on one side) to hold the strut rod while I turned the nutIf you have one it'll give you a bit more leverage than a regular screw driver Quote Selected
Strut removal? Need help ASAP! Reply #5 – November 09, 2014, 12:34:55 AM Hex shafted screw driver. Sometime you can get them with a 3/8" hex, then you can put a wrench or crescent on them. Quote Selected
Strut removal? Need help ASAP! Reply #6 – November 09, 2014, 08:47:23 AM Quote from: Haystack;440348Hex shafted screw driver. Sometime you can get them with a 3/8" hex, then you can put a wrench or crescent on them.Most Craftsman screwdrivers are squared Quote Selected
Strut removal? Need help ASAP! Reply #7 – November 09, 2014, 10:54:27 AM you have to lay a flat bar steel inside the flat head screw driver part,,, like 12'' long,, then use your wrench to loosen the nut.there are several top designs of the strut connection,, some are round shaft with straight slot and some are hex at the top and some are hex with a straight slot.either way lay a flat bar inside the slot so it and your wrench have leverage to loosen it. Quote Selected
Strut removal? Need help ASAP! Reply #8 – November 09, 2014, 12:00:15 PM That is a really good idea!!! Quote Selected
Strut removal? Need help ASAP! Reply #9 – November 09, 2014, 09:47:40 PM Normally a good impact will remove that nut. If you are not using an impact find a friend that has one and spin that nut off. Trying to do it without one normally wont work. BUT If you are not using the strut again and are replacing it clamp a couple of vice grips to the shaft inside one of the coils of the spring and spin the nut off. Also a little heat can go a long way. Also remember to change the strut plates. That is very important. Or get a tie rod end screwdriver but if you are not using an impact most likely will not come off. Quote Selected
Strut removal? Need help ASAP! Reply #10 – November 10, 2014, 01:39:01 AM What do you mean strut plates?Are you talking about the strut mounts? Quote Selected
Strut removal? Need help ASAP! Reply #11 – November 10, 2014, 06:14:03 AM The top plates they always rot out and can cause issues. They have the bearings and rubber mountings Quote Selected
Strut removal? Need help ASAP! Reply #12 – November 10, 2014, 06:56:44 AM http://www.maximummotorsports.com/Thunderbird-Caster-Camber-Plates-1983-1988-P258.aspx Quote Selected
Strut removal? Need help ASAP! Reply #13 – November 10, 2014, 10:30:48 AM I had the same problem when I changed my struts so I went to autozone and bought an electric impact gun. It was $60 but I paid $40 because I had a $20 credit on my autozone card. It took those strut nuts off instantly and now taking wheels off is so quick using it. Well worth the money and highly recommended. Quote Selected
Strut removal? Need help ASAP! Reply #14 – November 19, 2014, 10:01:19 AM I've had this problem in salvage yards...I learned to carry a full can of PB blaster (WD-40 is piss water and won't work) and a big-assed pair of vice grips, not cheap ones, but actual Vice Grip brand. Having a breaker bar helps too, but nothing beats a good ole impact gun. Quote Selected
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