Installing New Suspension

[bigdrick323]

Got the rear done but having trouble with the front, I can't figure out what I'm missing to release the Strut? I got tie rod off, took off the bolt that connects the swing arm to the hanging thing...what's next...?

[willworkfore30s]

In the pic it looks like you are still connected at the control arm. The front suspension is connected at the control arm, tie rod end, brake line and sensor, and the three nuts at the top of the strut tower in your engine bay.

[bigdrick323]

So what is my next step specifically?

I am away from my computer, being lazy!

[DÌEGØ]

The next step is to take it to someone that knows what they are doing.

[bigdrick323]

Come on, already did the rear and you have to learn somehow.... Don't be an ass, I could easily pay to get it done, but I want to do it myself.

I am away from my computer, being lazy!

[jlevie]

You need a ball joint separator to disconnect the control arm from the strut knuckle. A pickle will work, but it will destroy the ball joint boot. Not a big deal if you are replacing the control arms. Otherwise you want to use a ball joint press, which won't damage the ball joint.

[bigdrick323]

OK, cause it looks like I could disconnect the arm from the knuckle Wirth a bolt next to the strut and be done with it, but not sure if that's OK.

I am away from my computer, being lazy!

[MR 325]

Yes take off the nut holding the control arm to the strut housing. Of course it's not going to come off without doing that...

You don't need a special tool to remove it. Loosen the nut and wack the strut housing with a big hammer where the ball joint goes through it. This will break it free and it will drop out. MAKE SURE not to hit the actual ball joint or boot.

[IronFreak]

When i pulled my fronts, it was a lot easier if i disconnected the sway bar. It allowed the control arm to drop all the way down until it maxed out the angle on the ball joints.

[pmat]

Are you by any chance trying to seperate the strut housing from the hub?

[bigdrick323]

I'm just replacing the struts and springs, whatever is the easiest way. I think I'm going to throw on new tie rods while I'm at it.

I am away from my computer, being lazy!

[bigdrick323]

Trick to getting that 19mm bolt next to the strut housing off. I can't seem to get the impact wrench positioned correctly to go on the bolt or nut. Can't tell which.

[IronFreak]

I just used a 1/2 19mm socket and a deadblow hammer and pounded the end of the ratchet a few times.

[MR 325]

Trick to getting that 19mm bolt next to the strut housing off. I can't seem to get the impact wrench positioned correctly to go on the bolt or nut. Can't tell which.

I'll assume by bolt you mean nut.

I personally use a ratcheting wrench.

[bigdrick323]

got passenger side off but Driver's side, I cannot get the nut off, trying pb blaster and wrench, ughhh, two hands jerking on it with most of my body weight, no budge.