I have the use of a garage for the day and ran into a problem when trying to install new springs / struts. How do you loosen the lock nut on the strut?? The strut piston spins with the nut and I can't figure a way of holding the piston while spinning the nut - and with the nut sitting as low as it is, I can't get a wrench on it (while holding the strut from the top with another wrench). I thought of vise gripping the old strut since they are going in the garbage anyway - but then how to you tighten down the new one? The strut is now compressed and waiting - I'm losing the garage tonight ! - very much appreciate any fast help on this -

 

AIR TOOLS, seriously, the only way I have done it is with an impact. If you need to, take the entire strut assambly to a garage and get them to do it. The cost will be minimal and they should even have a spring compressor they can use. good luck.

 

Yaya - good point! I have access to air tools and the spring is already compressed. Just so I'm clear, I see what you are getting at with the impact but how do you hold the strut from twisting even with using a impact gun? And how do you torque the new one on to the proper torque when you using impact? (and again, how do you hold the new strut from twisting)?

Thanks for the quick reply on this - If you're still out there, please reply to the above

 

The factory manual says its ok to put the lower housing in a vice. Don't squeeze too hard. Impact wrenches have a setting for psi that relates to torque if I am not mistaken. It's not as accurate but it works. The locknut on this is not going to be under heavy loads. If you are sqeamish about the tightness put some lock tite blue on the threads when done. Just remember that would make the next removal even tougher without an impact wrench.

 

I agree, take it to a Pep-Boys, they will do it for like $20.00 bucks!

 

just use the impact gun, it will twist the nut off, without holding anything else.

Then run the new one a the way down the thread with the impact until it stops. should be a lock nut.

Good luck.

 

Impact gun Cant live w/o one, if I cant use air tools I dont wanna do it

 

I would also suggest that you get a bottle of Kroil. This stuff is 'creeping oil' in an aerosol can and REALLY works. Just put it on and let it sit for a while; overnight at best and then use your impact gun to get those old bolts off.

 

i had the very same problem a few weeks ago. i used a spring compressor to get the springs down and then grabbed the strut with a vise grip at the highest point i could. it worked for me and the guy that had the car before me and the struts didnt get damaged as far as i could tell.

 

same problem with Raptor13x's MR-2.. we ended up not having to take 'em out to do the work we were doing (don't ask.. it sucked), but we tried to take 'em off and it was just NOT happening.

 

did you get it done?

 

OK - it's done but it wasn't easy. Air tools did the trick with another guy clamping done on the strut rod with vise grips and channel locks. This job was tougher than it looked in the shop manual - 8 hours later and finished . Now for the rear shocks and springs - It looks easier and hopefully I'll be done today.

Also, looks like I need a front end alignment (pulling to the left)- hopefull this is common after new springs and struts - please tell me it's common !! And you guys were great - thanks for the advice !! Time to get back at it - Cheers

 

the struts affect the camber so you need to get an alignment every time you do them.