[orp789]

I am in the process of installing new front struts. I've removed the pincher bolt and the bolt from the sway bar endlink. I tried to beat the knuckle off the end of the strut. I made some heady way but probably have another .5" to go. I can beat the thing down some more but dont want to damage anything. Any suggestions or do I need to remove another bar? Its an 02 sable. I've been following this guys guide on youtube and everything was going fine until the 3:20 mark.

Thanks in advance.

 

[jato]

I leave the top of the strut bolted to the strut tower and use a 5 foot pry bar to flex the lower control arm down enough to let the end of the strut to clear the knuckle. A railroad lining bar works great for this.

 

[orp789]

I leave the top of the strut bolted to the strut tower and use a 5 foot pry bar to flex the lower control arm down enough to let the end of the strut to clear the knuckle. A railroad lining bar works great for this.

I'm guessing you doing something like this? I might take a few more whacks at in the morning but looks like I might have to take the caliper and lower control arm off.

 

[jato]

Similar, but I operate the bar myself while I pull the strut clear. I don't have access to a 300 pound fat guy. It just the way I've always done it and I haven't had any adverse effects from it so far, so I'll keep on doing what I'm doing. I also have to do my auto maintenance under less than ideal conditions. Gotta do what you gotta do.

What also works is to remove the brakes, unbolt the axle shaft, disconnect the sway bar end link, pop out the ball joint and tie rod end and remove the steering knuckle and strut as an assembly.

 

[nytaurusabuser]

remove the caliper to avoid stretching the brake line. You can put a jack under the subframe, loosen the subframe bolts 3/4 of an inch or so and lower the jack to get more clearance. Definitely a PITA.

 

[orp789]

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[orp789]

I threw in the towel on this. Got a call in to the shade tree mechanic up the street.

If only auto zone rented out a 300+ lb guy I might be able to do this.

 

[JW657]

If only auto zone rented out a 300+ lb guy I might be able to do this.

I'm a small guy, I usually do pretty good on my own since I have lots of tools and breaker bars. It sucks to be small sometimes though