gearhead74

I'm trying to replace the rear struts on a 90 Lumina. The two lower bolts on each side are refusing to come out. Anyone got any advice or tricks for this problem?

Manny_boy

Heat the lower bolts with a torch, and use a long breaker bar for leverage (I actually used the handle off of my floor jack) - they'll move.

gearhead74

I don't really want to heat around the struts. I have heard and read that would be a dangerous practice. The struts could explode.

Manny_boy

I didn't know that, I guess I was lucky. I would try penetrating oil, if you haven't already, though. I haven't seen much that PB Blaster couldn't take care of.

mobil_12

As long as you dont heat the body of the strut for a long period of time, you will be okay dokey!

Heating the nuts of the bolts will be fine. Just remember to only try to loosen the nuts because the bolts are splined and will not turn inside the strut. Once you get the nuts off, you will need an air hammer or a really big hammer (BFH- Big F*ckin Hammer) Just be careful not to damage the threads on the bolts- but if you do, NAPA should have new bolts in stock from Monroe.

Jim Adams

mobil I think that is what they are doing,, trying to turn the bolt and not the nut,,,the bolt will not turn unless the nut is loose,,the bolt is how they adjust your tow for alignment it has a cam on it,,heat the nut as Mobil says and you will be fine,,just keep the torch away from strut,,,you need to apply alot of heat to the strut before it blows,,beside I think you will find that a good breaker bar on the nut and you wont have to heat anything

gearhead74

I allready have the nut loose. I'm trying to get the bolt out.

alphalanos

Unless the bolt is seized then put a narrow item such as a flathead screwdriver and tap it with a hammer to knock the bolt out. be careful as there may be tension and the control arm. dont let it smack you in the face like what almost happened to me lol.

__________________
96 EJ6. Future home of boosted B18C1.

Jim Adams

put the nut back on the bolt till you can screw it almost all the way on except for about a half in so that no threads are exposed ,,or sticking out then hit it with a 5 lb sledge,,there are small splines that lock the bolt in to the knuckle assy.

aaamillertime

Dont try to turn the bolt. I just did this job on my lumina yesterday. The bolt is nurled/splined. Soak it with penetrating oil, put the nut on partway, and beat it out with a heavy hammer. Watch out for your wheel speed senser for the ABS. It takes a lot of persuation. Mine was so bad that I had to rplace the nut because it was peaned in from hammering.

gearhead74

Thanks everyone, I finally got it out with two hammers. Broke one