Hey All,
I've got a Haynes Manual (piece of crap)
I've got the How To Article (much better than the Haynes)
Working on the front left spring/strut:
I had no problem getting out all the bolts out to free the strut (used my airtools), but can't get the darn strut to come out! The knuckle is in the way.
I should mention I DID NOT take the knuckle off the A-arm, as I don't have a TORX bit that big...is this step NEEDED? The Haynes manual doesn't even mention taking that bolt out...nor do they use spring compressors...I don't see how this darn strut is gonna come out...help..
If I do need the TORX bit ...what size is it? The largest I have is a T-50.
I was very close to packing everything up and taking it in to have it done, but I decided to see if you guys could help.
Rob
PS. I am or hopefully will be installing the BAT Kit.
The Ford cd does say to remove that bolt, but it also doesn't specify the torx size. If anyone has the size, that would be very useful!
I'm hoping Sears carries it as I was just planning on buying various large metric torx and returning the ones that didn't fit. I'm hoping it's not a snapon item... they take forever to ship!
T-55...damn 5 off...
So there is no way (read: no proper way) I can do this without removing that TORX bolt?
Rob
I'm also in the middle of a suspension swap, and you're right, there is no proper way to remove the front struts without removing that bolt. However, I managed to remove them with the help of spring compressors and a lot of muscle work. It was a pain in the arse, but it worked without breaking any parts. If you don't have spring compressors, I believe you can rent them from Autozone and other parts shops like them.
Anyone have the 1998 Ford service manual? Know where I can download it?
Pls send me an email
no problemo...
Yes, the knuckle bolt must be removed.
Getting the front struts back in can be a biotch. I had a buddy stand on a 4' pipe with the ball joint 'pickle fork' in the end forcing the lower A-arm down as far as could go while I worked the strut over the knuckle using of all things a rubber mallet tapping the center of the hub assembly and being EVER so careful to move the knuckle into place. Might not be the correct way but.... food for thought.
Be careful!
Bob
What's up...everyone said this was easy...I'm starting to worry now...
R
It was more of a learning curve of a new vehicle for me. Don't get too excited. If you possess moderate wrenching aptitude, you'll be fine. A pickle fork is your friend on this one.
Bob
2 bolt control arm strut replacement is easy. 4 bolt is a little more difficult, really need two people to do it quickly.
Just to let you all know, this past week I discovered an excelent way to remove and install the front struts without removing the steering knuckle, which will keep you from having to take apart the CV joints and what-not. All you need is a floor jack and a 2' steel pipe with a notch in the top. A bungee cord and spring compressors help for safety reasons as well.
(Removal)
With the car on jack stands position the floor jack as close to underneath the strut as possible. After using spring compressors to compress the springs as far as possible, wedge the steel pipe between the floor jack and the flange on one side of the strut, with the flange fitted in the notch on the end of the pipe. Now pump the floor jack to compress the strut/spring assembly farther up into the wheel well than is possible with just human strength, and you will be able to tap the knuckle down off the bottom of the strut without removing it from the control arm assembly. For safety reasons, I highly recommend bungee cording the steel pipe to the strut itself to keep it from slipping off the flange and shooting out at you under pressure. To install new struts, just reverse the operation, compressing the strut with the floor jack and steel pipe and then manuvering it into the knuckle as you release pressure on the jack.
Using this method, I was able to remove my stock front struts and springs and install Bilstein's with BAT sport springs in one morning by myself with the use of air tools, and I'm not a very strong guy.
I hope that was clear enough for everyone to understand.
Spencer.
I found that site as well! Thanks Bob