Help with Strut Nut - Installing Caster & Camber Plates

[Roger]

Today was the day I was supposed to install my new J&M Camber Plates. I got the car up, go the strut removed, put on some spring compressors and could not for the love of me get the strut nut removed.

I tried my electric impact with the 13/16 deep socket impact bit. I tried using a breaker bar. My only thought is the spring compressor sucked and I couldn't get enough tension out to make the bolt easier.

Appreciate any suggestions, advice, etc. Below is a link to the compressor I was trying to use.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/strut-spring-compressor-0251187p.html

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[Static_LV]

i had nothing but trouble trying to use those spring compressors due to the interference from the perch. One of the single action types was needed to get this done properly.

 

[Roger]

Single action? Like the $300+ clamshell style ones?

 

[Stripes]

If you're ysing those style of spring compressors, make sure you're clamping It one below the top coil from the perch (top of the strut). Make sure you're compressing the spring compressors ALL the way, like the most you can possibly go. You'll need the impact for sure with this.

I recently did the same thing using the same spring compressors. It's definitely doable.

 

[jabrax]

I rented those for free basically from pep boys.... takes a bit of working for clearance, but I have done with them twice. Is your issue that the strut shaft is spinning? I had to do the 2 socket trick to get at it

 

[bluestang50]

Are you sure the strut shaft isn't spinning while your are trying to loosen the nut? In the past (s197) I have used a large clamp with rubber pads to hold the shaft to keep it from spinning.

 

[Roger]

I'd be interested to learn about the two socket method? I don't think my strut shaft was spinning?

 

[bluestang50]

The two socket method is to keep the shaft from spinning. One to hold the shaft and the other to break the nut loose. Try breaking the nut loose while touching the shaft. More than likely it is spinning but visibly it is hard to tell. Is there any space between the spring and strut mount? You want to make aure the spring isnt applying any force on the mount when you take the nut off.

 

[Roger]

There was no space between the spring and the strut mount. I think I am going to give it another go early next weekend and focus on getting both right up to the perch. Worst case scenario I might just take the struts and plates somewhere to have them compressed and installed.

 

[jabrax]

I'd be interested to learn about the two socket method? I don't think my strut shaft was spinning?

See my description in this Thread, I had to use this to both remove and tighten. Just do it gently I've had to use this method for 2 spring swaps

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48414&highlight=strut+nut

 

[NightmareMoon]

The strut shaft will spin if you dont use a second wrench to lock it down. Shaft bolt will never come off (usually) unless you lock it down.

 

[Roger]

Just an update, took out both stut's yesterday and tried with these compressors again and had no luck. Local mechanic took off the strut plate on both for $40. Came home used the compressors and got everything set. Camber plates seem to be fine (no noise or anything), going to go to an alignment shop next weekend to work on getting a 'daily' setting and a track setting dialed in.

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