Removing OEM strut rods

[70_Fastback]

Just curious. Are the lower arms under any pressure from the strut rods typically? As in, when I start taking them loose, will the alignment just go to craps (I realize I have to re-align it after the new strut rod install), or will it stay fairly static?

Thanks.

 

[Midlife]

I've found it is very difficult to load the strut arms with the coil springs installed. Instead, I've loosened the lower control arm a bit so I can fit the strut arm in the radiator support hole and align the holes on the lower arm. I would recommend loosening or removing the anti-sway bar as well. My guess, based upon my experience, is that the strut arms will be difficult to remove easily; if you do it, remove the front bolt at the radiator support first.

Your mileage may vary...

 

[buening]

The strut rods aren't under any pressure, but I've found the LCA won't drop enough to remove a spindle unless you have the strut rod detached from the LCA.....meaning the strut rod restricts the LCA's movement but they are by no means under any stress with the wheels off the ground. Do expect the LCA to drop once you get the nuts off the strut rod and get it separated from the LCA. HTH

 

[70_Fastback]

So do I want to put some extra jackstands under the lower arms to help keep them up some during removal of the old rods?

 

[Anonymous]

I've taken my adj strut rods off a few times and NEVER made this much fuss over it. You'd think you were building the frick'n space shuttle or something.



I could be lying too, just to see the ER pics....you never know.

 

[Opentracker]

So do I want to put some extra jackstands under the lower arms to help keep them up some during removal of the old rods?

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I like to remove the strut rods at ride height. With the suspension drooped, they don't come out easy. Key, remove the strut rod mounting nut before you remove them from the lower arm.

 

[buening]

So do I want to put some extra jackstands under the lower arms to help keep them up some during removal of the old rods?

You can if you want. The weight of the spindle and all can be a bit much to catch once you pound the strut rod bolts out of the LCA. I wouldn't think the suspension would droop far enough to bang against the floor assuming you have it jacked up a decent amount. Just remove the nut at the front like everyone said before removing the rod from the LCA, otherwise the strut rod will spin when trying to remove the nut. The LCA holds it still.

 

[dodgestang]

Leave car on ground.
Crawl under unbolt 2 bolts on lower arm
Unbolt big nut on other end
Wrestle out bar
Adjust new adjustable rod to same size...wrestle in place, replace nuts.
Drink
Do other side
Drink more

 

[70_Fastback]

Leave car on ground.
Crawl under unbolt 2 bolts on lower arm
Unbolt big nut on other end
Wrestle out bar
Adjust new adjustable rod to same size...wrestle in place, replace nuts.
Drink
Do other side
Drink more

All is clear now. I just needed a more "technical" explanation.

 

[BobV]

Leave car on ground.
Crawl under unbolt 2 bolts on lower arm
Unbolt big nut on other end
Wrestle out bar
Adjust new adjustable rod to same size...wrestle in place, replace nuts.
Drink
Do other side
Drink more

Better swap lines 2 & 3 of these instructions...

 

[Anonymous]

I would add drinking at the front end to numb the pain.

 

[gtscode]

Better swap lines 2 & 3 of these instructions...

Agreed