Specialty tools required for DIY struts
#1
Senior Member
True Car Nut
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I'll pass along some of my experience for changing the front struts. The first thing you will need is some specialty tools that you may not already have. I own basic hand tools and some specialty trim tools but not much else. Fortunately, I'm able to borrow mostly anything which saves a few bucks.
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A) A REALLY big hammer
B) A pair of heavy duty spring compressors
C) W-body strut kit (more on this later)
D) A very big 1/2" breaker bar
E) 6 point impact sockets 15/16" and 13/16"
F) Adult beverages. Quanity and type will vary
G) Pain relivers
The most difficult part of the whole ordeal was not removing the strut-to-knuckle nuts, it was the bolts. I consider myself a pretty strong dude and it took quite a bit of effort to break the nuts loose. The bolts however, were a different story. Here'* a tip: if the bolts don't turn, they can not be hammered out. I broke two of my own sockets trying to turn the bolts before I borrowed the impact sockets. They did the trick. Once you can turn the bolts a bit, use penetrating oil and tap them with a hammer. After about 5 minutes, beat the snot out of them with the big hammer to remove.
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Here is that W body strut kit in action. I only needed to use two pieces of the kit. The first is a special gizmo kinda like a box end crow foot socket. The 1/2" ratchet is connedted to it. It'* hollow in the middle which allows a Torx 50 socket (connected to the 3/8" ratchet) to connect to the strut rod. This enables the strut rod to be held while loosening the top nut. The kit comes from Autozone and is a part of their loaner tool program.
NOTE: The above picture is for illustration purposes. These tools are NOT USED until the strut is removed from the vehicle and the spring is securely held with the spring compressors.
I think I now need to get some more F & G.
![Name: DSC01081_edit.jpg
Views: 107
Size: 68.2 KB](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/general-gm-chat-88/78379d1501368593-specialty-tools-required-diy-struts-dsc01081_edit.jpg)
A) A REALLY big hammer
B) A pair of heavy duty spring compressors
C) W-body strut kit (more on this later)
D) A very big 1/2" breaker bar
E) 6 point impact sockets 15/16" and 13/16"
F) Adult beverages. Quanity and type will vary
G) Pain relivers
The most difficult part of the whole ordeal was not removing the strut-to-knuckle nuts, it was the bolts. I consider myself a pretty strong dude and it took quite a bit of effort to break the nuts loose. The bolts however, were a different story. Here'* a tip: if the bolts don't turn, they can not be hammered out. I broke two of my own sockets trying to turn the bolts before I borrowed the impact sockets. They did the trick. Once you can turn the bolts a bit, use penetrating oil and tap them with a hammer. After about 5 minutes, beat the snot out of them with the big hammer to remove.
![Name: DSC01079.jpg
Views: 105
Size: 53.4 KB](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/general-gm-chat-88/78380d1501368593-specialty-tools-required-diy-struts-dsc01079.jpg)
Here is that W body strut kit in action. I only needed to use two pieces of the kit. The first is a special gizmo kinda like a box end crow foot socket. The 1/2" ratchet is connedted to it. It'* hollow in the middle which allows a Torx 50 socket (connected to the 3/8" ratchet) to connect to the strut rod. This enables the strut rod to be held while loosening the top nut. The kit comes from Autozone and is a part of their loaner tool program.
NOTE: The above picture is for illustration purposes. These tools are NOT USED until the strut is removed from the vehicle and the spring is securely held with the spring compressors.
I think I now need to get some more F & G.
#2
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You need to add two things to that list:
penetrating lube(WD-40, liquid wrench,etc)
and a torch to heat up some of the more stubborn bolts.
I've never come across a spring/strut job that went smoothly.
penetrating lube(WD-40, liquid wrench,etc)
and a torch to heat up some of the more stubborn bolts.
I've never come across a spring/strut job that went smoothly.
#4
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
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Originally Posted by smellbird
You need to add two things to that list:
penetrating lube(WD-40, liquid wrench,etc)
and a torch to heat up some of the more stubborn bolts.
I've never come across a spring/strut job that went smoothly.
penetrating lube(WD-40, liquid wrench,etc)
and a torch to heat up some of the more stubborn bolts.
I've never come across a spring/strut job that went smoothly.
If you can't get a hold of that kit, and your struts are not keyed (stanchtion spins freely) you can put a strap wrench on the stanction while you turn above. Yes you'll need two people.
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