strutbar install problem

**trickytrick** · 01-30-2007, 09:12 PM

yesterday i tried installing my strut bar but i couldnt get the bolts off the chassis. i tried wd-40 and heating it a little but nothin. is there another way i can try to take em off

**pinoyesv6** · 01-30-2007, 09:13 PM

breaker bar? and then using a torque wrench to properly torque the bolts when you're done??

**DOHCstunr** · 01-30-2007, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by trickytrick

yesterday i tried installing my strut bar but i couldnt get the bolts off the chassis. i tried wd-40 and heating it a little but nothin. is there another way i can try to take em off

make sure you are using the proper sized 6 point socket,

pry bars help.

if you have a floor jack or even a long piece of pipe... slide the pipe or floor jack handle over the end of your socket wrench...
use it for extra leverage.

i call it a cheater bar

**pvu_rida** · 01-30-2007, 09:14 PM

yea... the tricky part is putting the strut bar on

**trickytrick** · 01-30-2007, 09:19 PM

yea i tried the pipe thing. ill try again wen it gets warmer hopefully nxt weak. my hands were freezin

**AVERAGE** · 01-30-2007, 11:32 PM

You couldnt get the strutmount bolts off? Even for Chicago thats strange. You wouldnt think salt or the weather would effect those nuts way up there.

**Serstylz2** · 01-31-2007, 11:50 AM

same prob i had, im gonna have my mechanic use the a irgun to loosen em up for me

**n3oAcid24** · 01-31-2007, 11:53 AM

i just use a pipe on the wrench and the bolts came off. it should be a 10 minute install. like they said though, the tricky part is putting in the bar. what kind did you get?

**kolio** · 01-31-2007, 11:56 AM

when i tried to take my bolt off they wouldn't budge, even with the pipe. then i used Mante's breaker bar and they came off with ease. BUY a breaker bar, here they are only $20 and sometimes less at harbor tools.

**Serstylz2** · 01-31-2007, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by kolio

when i tried to take my bolt off they wouldn't budge, even with the pipe. then i used Mante's breaker bar and they came off with ease. BUY a breaker bar, here they are only $20 and sometimes less at harbor FREIGHT tools.

fixed the name for other peoples

**Serstylz2** · 01-31-2007, 12:07 PM

heres a few i found too

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=30395

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...0943_200310943

**kolio** · 01-31-2007, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by Serstylz2

Originally Posted by kolio

when i tried to take my bolt off they wouldn't budge, even with the pipe. then i used Mante's breaker bar and they came off with ease. BUY a breaker bar, here they are only $20 and sometimes less at harbor FREIGHT tools.

fixed the name for other peoples

thanks for fixing it, i was typing secretly during comp class.

**qnz** · 01-31-2007, 01:15 PM

the bolts arent even torqued that tight. isnt only suppose to be like 20ft-lbs?

**n3oAcid24** · 01-31-2007, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by qnz

the bolts arent even torqued that tight. isnt only suppose to be like 20ft-lbs?

thats not always the case. when i had my shocks/struts & springs installed, the mechanic tight the nut so much that the mounting broke..... then they didnt tell me. im like wtf.......

**AVERAGE** · 01-31-2007, 02:05 PM

They probably used air to tighten the top when it really wasn't needed.

**n3oAcid24** · 01-31-2007, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by AVERAGE

They probably used air to tighten the top when it really wasn't needed.

thats exactly what they did. the guy even said it himself. thats why they had to replace the mounts for me for free.... :D

**RedGalant2k1** · 01-31-2007, 03:09 PM

Lift the car up off the ground. Get some better strength penetrating lube let it sit for 15 minutes and it should come right off.

A breaker bar or long rachet can help too.

**peanotation** · 01-31-2007, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by RedGalant2k1

Lift the car up off the ground. Get some better strength penetrating lube let it sit for 15 minutes and it should come right off.

A breaker bar or long rachet can help too.

great advice.

nelsonC told me that strut bars are properly installed when the tension is taken off the tower bolts, so the car must be lifted off the ground. not as simple as just popping your hood and putting it on.