Emann0007

how do I get the nut off of the top of the strut guys....? Theres a small groove in the bolt, but I have broken everything tryng to hold the bolt stil by inserting things into the slot s I attempt to loosen the nut. WTF do I do?

Dan04COBRA

Did you load the suspension?

Sorry I didn't get back to your PM either, I never got the notification pop-up for some reason.

Tim37

well you put a screw driver in the slot on the strut and then use a wrench to turn the nut loose but it sounds like you are having problems with that. i have had to cut throguth the nut and top of the srut with a cut off wheel befor when that happend.

Derf00

Struts are much easier with an impact wrench (gun style). If you're using hand tools you may have to cut through the nut as Tim mentioned. Keep in mind, if you're having problems removing the nut, you may have just as hard of time putting the new nut on the new strut as they are typically locking nuts.

I would strongly suggest getting an air compressor and impact gun for both removal and installation.

Emann0007

I'll go buy a compressor and an impact gun because I obviously have the money and means to use it... NO! I'm poor and live in apartment with no garage.....

Derf00

I'm just pointing out what to expect. Struts are one item where an impact makes all the difference. Not trying to be facetious but you will have a bear of a time getting those center lock nuts off/on with hand tools. That's from personal experience. You would be better off cutting the nuts off.

When it comes time to put the new nuts on the new struts though..again, you may only get so far before they just start spinning the whole strut rod. You can get around this though by using a regular nut and a lock washer vs the lock nut that comes with the new strut.

kartracer55

Were talking about the main nut on top of the dampener bushing that holds it all together right? Sorry for the lack of technical termenology.

I actaully removed struts and took out the shooks today(how wierd?) Im with derf, the job is a real bitch without an impact gun (or at least id imagine so, I had the luxury) Your probably better off looking for a guy on MF.com in your area with one or finding a friend with one whod help you, instead of continuing this way.

Sorry I couldnt provide any technical information, just makin a suggestion for ya

Jim

Derf00

Yep also called a strut bearing plate, strut plate, or just dampner plate. All the other bolts are easy..just the center one is a biatch.

kartracer55

EVERY bolt on a neglected 91 buick is a bitch[sm=headbang.gif] lol

Thanks for the info!

Jim

xx9gt6xx

I understand you can't afford impact **** but it'll help you out a lot more. If you can't get it with the hand tools then I suggest taking it somewhere that will get it off before anything bad happens... Just my 2 cents