Author Topic: How do you Remove Strut Cartgidge? (Read 7219 times)

nomad · « **Reply #15 on:** August 18, 2008, 02:42:24 PM »

I hit the threads with PB blaster for a bit. After removing the springs I clamped a big C clamp to the spring seat, in line with the strut direction, and I stood on this to hold the strut housing steady. I had a big pipe wrench and gave the handle some hits with a BFH and it loosened right up. Not easy but not terribly hard.

P Zero · « **Reply #16 on:** August 18, 2008, 04:17:09 PM »

I dont have a pipe wrench, but what I've done a couple of times in the past is to use a vice. After you've removed the spring, put the strut upside down in the vice, usung the vice to clamp the threaded cap. Clamp it nice and tight but be careful not to bend the cap. Moving to the bottom of the strut (which should be sticking up), find some extension bars or other similar tools that you can stick in the holes that the track rod end and control arms fix to, then use a big bar stuck between them to turn the whole strut and undo the cap. It works really well but its hard to explain :p

nomad · « **Reply #17 on:** August 18, 2008, 04:55:23 PM »

I need a vice so bad.

romkasponka · « **Reply #18 on:** August 19, 2008, 02:19:57 AM »

My wrench on the ground.

nomad · « **Reply #19 on:** August 19, 2008, 10:08:30 AM »

I have the Billy Strut wrench. Worked perfectly and was quick.
Guess I should rent it out to people since they don't sell it anymore.

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #20 on:** August 19, 2008, 11:27:54 AM »

Big ass pipe wrench worked for me as well...

max123 · « **Reply #21 on:** January 07, 2009, 07:17:46 PM »

I had the same issue. Tried the vise - didn't work, tried heat - didn't work, tried wd-40, didn't work. Even tried the chisel - just ended up cutting the collar off. Long story short, I finally got the insert out by using a pair of channel locks + a mallet. This may sound stupid, but a good pair of channel locks can take the abuse, and it only took 3 or 4 hits. Clamp the channel locks on to the collar and hit the handle so that the channel locks tighten. This was the only thing that would have worked - I even tried taking it to a machine shop and they couldn't even get them out. Also, the problem with a pipe wrench is that it slips, and even if you get a good grip you just end up twisting the strut around - even in a vise the thing won't stay put (and a vise can damage the strut). Stand on the disc brake and whack it loose.