Re: 5k strut removal --- lower control arm joint fused to strut?! <solution>

[Gisli Ottarsson <gisli@master.adams.com>]

And the winner is --- Graydon Stuckey.  He pointed out what was
probably obvious to every soul on the list but was totally lost on
me.

After loosening the ball joint bolt --- REMOVE IT!  There is a groove
in the joint pin which the joint bolt passes through, locking it in
place.  My habit of leaving all bolts where they belong came back to
bite me.

I got some excellent advice involving the use of penetrating oil, 
proper alignement and nudging and a couple of chants.  All is most 
appreciated and all helped some.

Thanks all

  Gisli



>>>>> On 18 Jul 1999 22:07:11 -0400, you said:
 
  GO> What's the secret here, guys?  I have released the strut's grip on the
  GO> ball joint in the lower control arm and followed Bentley's suggestion
  GO> of separating the two by pushing down on the anti-sway bar with a
  GO> lever.  This thing does not budge!

  GO> The two obvious remedies, heat and/or prying the open the slit in
  GO> strut, are no-no's according to Bentley.

  GO> Any other tricks of the trade?

  GO> Gisli




  GO> -- 
  GO> Gisli Ottarsson, PhD                     
  GO> Mechanical Dynamics Inc.            gisli@adams.com    
  GO> 2301 Commonwealth Blvd.             Tel: 1-734-913-2550
  GO> Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105           Fax: 1-734-994-6418