Can't get strut out! Help!

[Fred Munro]

Hi Rokas;

If you have removed the strut retaining nut (the one with the internal hex
that the special tool fits into) and the strut insert will still not come
out, it is probably rusted into the strut. Spray penetrating oil around the
strut insert where the retaining nut was and let it soak. Extend the shaft
fully and rock it side to side to try to get some movement on the insert in
the strut. Don't overdo it - the car is just sitting on the spring and you
don't want to get too vigorous. If you still have no luck, extend the shaft,
put the top plate and nut on, and pry up under the plate using the top of
the strut housing for leverage. This should pop the strut insert up out of
the strut. Don't bend the bodywork or scratch the paint :o).

Fred Munro
'94 S4


-----Original Message-----
From: quattro-admin at audifans.com [mailto:quattro-admin at audifans.com]On
Behalf Of Rokas Reipa
Sent: June 26, 2003 11:02 PM
To: quattro at audifans.com
Cc: v6-12v at audifans.com
Subject: Can't get strut out! Help!


My attempt to change the front struts in my 93 100s has turned into a very
frustrating ordeal. I am keeping the strut housing in and using the 'pull
the strut out from the top' method. I undid the lower bolt, took off the
plate on top and undid the screw on the top(everything as per bentley
instructions). The damn strut will NOT come out no matter what. I tried
pulling it, prying it out, hammering it, squirting wd40 into it. Nothing.
The shaft comes all the way up but the strut itself is stuck in the housing.
Has anybody had this problem before? I really dont want to take the whole
strut housing out; what do I do? Am I missing a critical step?? Thanks,

Rokas
93 100s 5sp