Front strut problems!! need a little help!

[Guest Anonymous]

In my attempt to pull the front struts I've gotten stuck, the 3 lower nuts that join the strut to the ball joint are not going to come off easily, and I don't particularily want to strip them. Is there another way to get the strut out far enough without destroying anything to get the old springs off and my ST springs on? I'm also wondering how the ball joint is removed, looks like it's in need of replacement.. I didn't feel any bolt or nut heads on the bottom, are they pressed in? Anything else I should replace while it's all apart? (shocks are faily new already and so are pads/rotors/bearings)

[Guest Anonymous]

You should be able to remove the top three bearing nuts and take off the sway bar bolt between the bar and the swing arm, then push the strut down far enough to clear the fender. I've replaced springs without removing the strut from the lower mount before and its not that difficult. Be careful not to put too much stress on the rubber brake lines when the strut is extended outside the fender.

[Guest Anonymous]

URL: http://www.zeebuck.com/02bc/index.htm

(nt)

[Guest Anonymous]

1. Before removing top strut bolts, unbolt the caliper from its mount and hang it by a wire (like a coathanger) so that the hoses aren't stressed.

2. It's a good idea to loosen (but don't remove) the big nut that holds the shock cartridge in place before removing the upper strut nuts--you get more leverage that way.

3. The nut holding the ball joint to the lower strut mount is inside a chamber formed by the two lower strut mounting pieces (they're joined by the three bolts that you're having trouble with). Before starting the job, with the car jacked up and the wheel still on, grab the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and see if you can wiggle it. If there's significant play, it's probably a worn ball joint. If it wiggles when grabbed at 9 and 3 o'clock, it's more likely a loose or worn wheel bearing.

4. While you have the whole mess apart, check upper strut bearings for wear, and pack with fresh grease. And make SURE you get all the little washers, spacers etc back in EXACTLY the same order they came out, or you'll get to do the job again!

Cheers

Mike

[Guest Anonymous]

I finnally got pissed off and just unbolted the whole front control arm assembly and ripped it all out. Brake lines are probably the original ones and in DESPERATE need of replacement, Tie rod ends as well. Shocks are good, all the bearings appear to be new. so I'm just waiting on my brake lines and I'll put it all back together.