Hi, Im trying to change my front struts. i have the passenger side finished and it was hell trying to get the strut clamp bolt and ball joint bolt undone. But, i did it. I cannot break either one of them free on the drivers side. Ive used pb blaster< heat, and an impact wrench and nothing is getting the job done. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

 

1983john - I've moved your post from the general tech section to the X-Type section where it will get better visibility and response from members with the same model.


When you have a moment, please stop by the new member section and post an intro:


New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

Steve, thank you very much. this is my first time using a forum. So im not quite sure how things work. I will go to the new member area and make an introduction. Thanks again

 

John, with the ball joint, where is it not coming apart? If it is the nut, then you may end up taking a grinding tool and cutting the nut off (or splitting the nut to remove it) and then popping the ball joint that way.

As for the joint from the spindle to the strut, for that, take a large flat blade screw driver and with the bolt removed, drive the screw driver into the gap to spread it apart. With the screw driver in there holding the clamp apart, smack the side of the spindle with a large hammer to jar the joint (make sure the strut is bolted in at the top and the ball joint is still holding the bottom from moving). This should force the joint to try and bend, which will break the rust apart and allow you to get things moving. If you already have it out of the car, then simply support the two ends with wood blocks or the like and then give it a whack then.

 

thanks thermo. I removed the ball joint bolt just like you said. now im going to just replace the bolt and nut. the spindle bolt that clamps to the bottom of the strut is what i cant get out. i rounded the head of the bolt, so im going to grind it down and drill it out. then re tap it. i could not get the thing to move. Thanks for the help. by any chance does anybody know how a new momber to the forum can check their inbox. so i dont have to go back threw and search for my postings?

 

I ran into the same problem. Both the upper and lower bolts were stuck. On the ball joint bolt I was able to get the nut off with no problem but the bolt would not move. I turned the nut around and hit it but still could not get it to move. I then used a breaker with a T55 socket to break it loose enough to drive it out. On the strut bolt I got very lucky, being that the bolt screwed out a few turns before it locked down solid and I could not remove it. The few turns was enough to loosen the strut. I ended up replacing the spindle and all hardware. I purchased new grade 8.8 m12 1.75, 40 mm long bolts from Lowes. I am going to use these temporary until the correct hardware come in.