Front Suspension Strut Top Nuts

[mike634949]

Due to 10 years of standing rainwater in the MacPherson strut upper cups, the top nuts are now completely corroded beyond recognition.

 

I've read elsewhere here that its possible to remove the nuts with a Dremel - presumably grinding as close to the strut as possible and then splitting the remaining fragment away with a chisel ??

 

This apparently does not require spring compressors.

 

Is the strut itself then in a usable condition, or is it two new struts time due to damaged/corroded threads ?

 

Lastly can anyone recommend a garage that has done this work for them with satisfactory results (W.London based )

 

cheers

 

Mike

[tiny]

It was me who used a dremmel, closely followed by a hammer and chisel!

 

My threads were completely shot, so even if I hadn't clobbered the threads with the hammer I would of replaced the shocks regardless.

 

IIRC the galaxy does not need compressors to remove the strut but does need them to replace the shock (ie remove the spring from the shock).

 

Ive done so many struts/spings/shockers in the last couple of years I really can't remember the full "deconstruction procedure" with the Galaxy!

[sparky Paul]

tiny's right, you don't need compressors to remove the top nut and mount, but you do to replace the shockers - which you will probably need to by the time you have removed the top mounts.

 

I used a small burning torch to cut the cup (top mount), blowing through into the rubber mounts which I also intended to replace. What's left on the shaft if then small enough to drop through the hole in the chassis turret. Certainly the fastest method, if you access to the tackle.

 

If you want to have any chance of reusing the struts, then this is the only way you can get them out so you can remove the top nuts on the bench. Any mechanical method of trying to remove to top nuts which the struts are still in the car is likely to damage the threads on the shockers.

 

In the end, same as tiny, the ends of the shockers were so badly corroded on mine that I replaced them anyway. Personally, if the shockers are 10 years old, they will have done some work, and I would replace them anyway. This allows you a bit more freedom to remove the struts anyway you feel comfortable.

 

Check the springs very carefully any cracking whilst you are at it, fronts are prone to snapping at that age - replace both if not 100% okay.

 

Also, when removing the bottom of the shocker from the hub, the pinch bolt is prone to shearing - there is a bit in the middle of the bolt which is open and corrodes, thinning the bolt. I put some heat on the hub and the bolts came out in one piece, but they were very tight. Replace with new.

 

It's a lot easier if you split the bottom ball joint and take the driveshaft out of the hub, but you will need a pair of new driveshaft end bolts as these must be replaced with new on reassembly.

 

I think that's about it... everything else is straightforward. ;)

Edited September 5, 2009 by sparky Paul