03 trailblazer front strut replacement

[claytonduk]

Anyone replace front struts on an '03 TB? The Haynes manual says to use a puller to take off the lower mount. I got the nut off but dont know whether to bang out the bolt to get the arm off. I tried giving it a couple whacks but it didn't budge. Any help greatly appreciated as always.

[pokerman11]

You need a pitman puller or pickle fork

Your local autozone loans these tools for free.


Here is a link with some pics:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=977738

[claytonduk]

hey poke thanks for your response. I was able to get the lower strut arm off by tapping it with a hammer. it popped right off . the bolt it goes on does not need to come off. the only problem was the sway bar was in the way. had to use a crowbar to move it out of the way. finally got both strut assemblys off . the nut on the top of the strut was the biggest pain to get off . still have to get the nut off the 2nd strut . got it sprayed with liquid wrench and sitting over night. i managed to free it before I quit for the night.

[vipergg]

removed

[claytonduk]

took the nut off the 2nd strut and the rubber and the washers were frozen. took the whole strut assembly to monroe and those guys couldnt free it up either . had to order the quick strut instead. after getting both struts installed finally I went out to my back yard where I put the frozen strut and naturally it had released on its own. of course it couldnt have done that before I ordered the quick strut! Anyone need a spring for an '03 trailblazer???? then when I started the truck up for the 1st time in 2 weeks the dash gages wouldnt work. the temp was the only one that moved and it went to the right past 260 degrees and buried itself. I tested every fuse and the only one that blew was a 20amp for the sunroof which I dont have!! I tried unhooking the battery. no good. hooked everything back up and went out 30min later and everything works now . go figure!