I recently got a *new* 91 Z28 that needs new struts....I bought the struts and tried to change them, but can't get the bolts loose on the steering knuckle to get the struts off......Just wondering if there was an easier way to get these off??? I also have some Hotchkis tie-rod adjuster sleeves to put on....will they be better than the stock sleeves???????

 

I used a 15" inch crescent wrench on the nut side and a 18" breaker bar on the bolt head.

Have the wheel turned all the way to lock for maximum access.

Use a jackstand under the brake hub for support/stabilization.

Hit the spindle bolts/nuts with PB Blaster a good 30 minutes before trying to loosen. (I covered the rotors with plastic bags, so I did not grease them.)

If the nut comes off but the bolt will not slide out easy, tap the bolt with a hammer and 3" 1/2 drive extension while wiggling the whole shebang.

 

yeh the hotchkis peices wont flex supposely the stock ones do.I either used a big breaker bar or the impact to get my struts off. I would put a jack under the a arm put a lil pressure on it take those 2 bottom bolt off. Them move the strut and slowely let the a arm down a lil then take off the top bolt or you could take off the top bolt first it wouldnt matter.

 

Thanks for the help.....I never thought of using a breaker bar....guess I was a little worried about messing something up.....I did read that the bolts on the steering knuckle take like 250ftlbs of torque to tighten properly? any truth in that??? Im gonna replace them this weekend....tired of the steering wandering on me Hey Spdfrk1990, I noticed youre in Cincy?? Im right across the river from ya in Florence.......

 

ahh sweet and you have my fav car we should meet up sometime. U ever goto the cruizin in milford if u know where that is its right down the street from me. There is usually 500 cars there

 

Ive heard of it but never been there.....we have a cruise in here at a Ice Cream shop(Filmore's) and I go to it alot......used to drive my other 91 Z with open headers and Hot Cam up there Yeah maybe we could meet up sometime....You could help me with the struts... j/k I didnt think there was anybody on the site that close to me......

 

yeh i didnt think there was either i know 1 guy was from columbus. Yeh i would like to help yah i love workin on third gens.