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Front Struts

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RobFresh2SVTs

CEG'er
Joined
Jan 8, 2009
Messages
234
Location
Milwaukie Oregon
I went to get struts on today. Mechanic says that there is a special tool to get the top nuts off the front struts. It doesn't appear that way to me. I have seen many threads about DIY. I would think there is not a special tool required to get them off. Am I a idiot or is he not paying attention?


Also do i need an alignment afterwords?
 
No idea what he's talking about. And yes it would be a good idea to have an alignment done since it will settle differently and you'll bang it back into place down low.
 
RobFresh2SVTs said:
I just talked to landmark ford they said i wouldn't need an alignment. So i'm guessing i would only need an alignment if i figured out how to do it myself.
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I would never replace a critical suspension piece and not at least check the alignment was within spec. If you can adjust the alignment from the top with a camber kit you better believe removing the strut and putting a new one in can change it too.
 
Changing struts and keeping the same springs should not change the alignment. So, in theory, you don't need an alignment.

Practice and theory don't always line up. Was it in alignment before you pulled the struts? Was one of the struts bent?

It is good practice to at least check the alignment after such work. It might be time for one just for drill anyway.
 
Yeah, the tool's "special" all right...:nonono: It calls for a deep offset box end wrench...19mm if memory serves? There are specialty ratchet tools that allow for the allen wrench through the top of the socket simultaneously, maybe that's what they were thinking. Any pro wrench that can't figure that one out I wouldn't pay to touch my car anyway.
 
Another way that works if you don't want to spend money on a pass-through ratchet and socket set is just clamp a standard socket with vise grips and the allen key will pass through the square drive. I've done a couple different cars this way no problem.
 
when you say top nut are you talking about the one that retains the strut assembly in the car or the one that retains the spring?


when removing the one that retains the assembly in the car you don't need the allen wrench, just a 18,, socket and impact if you like.

to remove the nut that retains the spring you may need the allen wrench. if the strut is shot just use vice grips on the strut shaft and use an impact to remove it, once spring compressors are in place. on assemble you might need to use the allen to hold the strut shaft from sprinning while tightening the nut.
 
The mechanic must have been referring to the nut that holds the assembly in the tower if he just popped the hood and pointed to it. In which case he is stupid, because you're right, the shaft will not turn removing that nut.
 
rollinstylee said:
The mechanic must have been referring to the nut that holds the assembly in the tower if he just popped the hood and pointed to it. In which case he is stupid, because you're right, the shaft will not turn removing that nut.
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He is a nice guy but he won't be working on my stuff. The actual owner of the shop is awesome he has been working on my parents vehicles and sisters car for years good job and good price. The owner is sick and hasn't been in. They won't be getting my business as long as the other guy is by himself.
 
BrApple said:
when you say top nut are you talking about the one that retains the strut assembly in the car or the one that retains the spring?


when removing the one that retains the assembly in the car you don't need the allen wrench, just a 18,, socket and impact if you like.

to remove the nut that retains the spring you may need the allen wrench. if the strut is shot just use vice grips on the strut shaft and use an impact to remove it, once spring compressors are in place. on assemble you might need to use the allen to hold the strut shaft from sprinning while tightening the nut.
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Thanks brapple maybe i should have done it myself. I didn't know if i could handle it. Just a guy with some basic hand tools.
 
CRGkart44 said:
according to this video i watched to get an idea on how to replace the springs on my car... i wouldnt recommend remmoving that nut.

its kinda cheesy and from the early 90s.... but informative

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-replace-car-struts-and-shocks-243954_2/
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Ours mount differently. The nut that you see at the top of our assemblies under the hood serves a different purpose than the one on the car in the video. On that car, and many others, the strut is held in the tower by dedicated studs on the top mount, so there is only one nut necessary on the strut shaft, to hold the spring in compression. Our assemblies are held in the towers by the top disk that sandwiches the body with the mount underneath, using a second nut on the strut shaft. Completely different layout. It is perfectly safe to remove the top nut on our cars with no special precautions if the car is on the ground. The only thing to be careful of is that the strut is not held to the body anymore, so when the weight is lifted off the suspension, it will drop down out of place.
 
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