Re: 5K Struts

[mike tipton <mtipton@netten.net>]

Steve,  The second you take the essentric nut off the strut, there's
nothing holding the suspension spring on the Mac strut, except the 
weight of the car.  To remove the strut bearing you will need to
"unload" the spring( raise the car several inches), or install
spring compressors inside the wheel well.

The fun part comes when you try to remove the nut holding the strut
insert in place!(inside the wheel well)  Its usually rusted on good!
Or torqued on by a gorilla!  A large pipe wrench works good, but
in the confines of the wheel well you will get fustrated quick!

The best way to do it is remove the strut assembly from the car.  This 
allows you ample room to work, and also lets you get close to other 
items of mechanical interest,(brakes, CV boots, ball joints, A arm's, 
wheel bearings) to see how there doing.

Yes it may take a little more work, as far as time is concerned, but
its WELL WORTH THE EFFORT!  It allows you to get closer to your pride 
and joy, inspect its workings and ensure its in good working order, or 
see how bad things have been neglected.

It also helps out dramatically if a problem should arise!
Which they often do.

                               M


                                  M