I seem to be unable to get the upper strut bolt to break loose. I'm talking about the nut on the very top of the strut in the strut mount. It has the metric allen head in the center and the nut I can't get loose is 3/4"...Is it a reverse thread or something else I'm missing??

 

Put a pipe wrench on the shaft thing of the strut and waylay it with your impact set to "kill".

 

lol, yeah I had to take a monkey wrench to mine also...But I got it off.

That bolt is just a beach.

I also sprayed a bunch of pentrant lubricant on mine. WD40 should also help a little.....

GL

 

Nahhh, just makes the pipe wrench slip.

 

So are you guys saying to use a pipe wrench on the smooth shaft that sides into the body of the strut? Wouldn't that damage the shaft, also it's covered with a plastic sleeve.

Other question I have is about the spring. Do I need to use the rubber isolator that sits on top of the spring?? I notice they are worn and I have almost a 1/2" difference in ride height between drive and passenger side.

 

OF COURSE!!! But it's going in the trash ANYWAY, so who cares?

Nothing a coupla quick seconds with a utility knife won't fix.

 

Struts are not that old so I was planning on using them again. I'm replacing the strut mounts and a arms.

 

If you are re-using the struts, penetrating oil and short blasts with a really good impact gun will get the nuts off.

 

No, but personally I'd throw them or some new ones back on. I doubt that the 1/2" difference is attributable to the isolators.

JamesC

 

Heater Hose Mod and zip ties with a little bearing grease.