HELP! Stuck trying to remove rear struts...

Tweaksta

Tweaksta

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
615
Location
McMahons Point, Sydney
Car Year
2000
Transmission
5MT
Howdy;

I just posted this in another thread but my car is in pieces in the garage and I need it by Monday.

I am trying to remove my struts to install some spacers but I can't get the lower of the two strut retainer bolts out. I am using a ratchet socket set but cannot get the socket over the nut as it is hard up against a rubber boot (I think it's a CV).

I've been on it for 3 hours now and I'm still on the first side.....:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

ps: if anyone wants to help I am in North Sydney and I'll buy you beer or food - whatever you want - hell I'll even offer $100 cash if that is enticing enough. :idea:
 
That's a bugger, Tweak.

Can you get an open end, ring or medium (8-12") shifting spanner over that bolt head/nut?

If so, can you get any kind of spanner over the other end?

Have you tried spraying it with lots of WD-40/CRC or Penetrene? Do this. Leave it for an hour or two, then wipe all the lubricant off the bolt head and nut, and try again.
 
Yea you need a spanner for that one. Preferably a ring spanner (it will go on will a little jimmying) since an open ender is likely to slip and start damaging the nut.
 
^ I agree with Venom about using ring spanners, if at all possible.

Ratchet sockets are fast and terrific, but they do have a tendency to slip, as do open end spanners and shifters.

As a very last resort, I have lock jaw pliers (both flat and rounded jaws) that can exert enormous force on stubborn things, then use a ring spanner to turn the other end while the lock jaws are binding on the chassis somewhere, but they do tend to render things unusable at the end of the process. However, if you can't get the bloody thing off, you're snorked anyway!
 
I commiserate with you . It is prick of a job.
I replaced my rear springs with Kings and it took two of us two full days, most of which was strut removal.
Can offer no easy solutions.
 
Thanks to all for your suggestions.

Finally got it off with a lot of WD40 and a 1 metre iron pipe for extra leverage.
 
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