Hi

I am trying to remove the front strut on a 1989 volvo 740 GLE. I cant seem to get it...

Can someone explain how to do it?

All the videos I've seen (on non volvos) make it look pretty easy. Remove a couple of bolts on the bottom, and a few on the top and BAM! its out.

On my volvo, I removed the 2 bolts on the bottom, and the one bolt on the very bottom on center, and the 2 that secure the strut mount up top. There is still a whole bunch of stuff holding the strut in place! So, next I removed the rotor. then I removed the ball joint nut. I have removed every bolt that I can see, and its not moving...

Edit: after doing some more research, though I took off the nut at the very bottom, the bolts are still holding it in place. I guess i need a ball joint serperator????

Here is a video that I was watching: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEaevAxA8Gc .... The suspension of a volvo (or at least how to remove the strut) seems significantly different.


Any help would be appreciated...

 

Ok. I've been doing research...


So to sum up my problem and ask 1(actually 2) questions:

What tool (specific, possible link to a site) do I need to use to break free the control arm ball joint and the tie-rod end balljoint? How do I use this tool to break free these two ball joints.

I'm young and don't know much about cars. I kind of learn as I go. This is the first time I've had to replace struts. Thanks everyone...

I really appreciate the help!

 

I figured it out... Bet no one thought I would lol. The question I had yesterday, was to remove a strut assembly at a pull and pay. I did some research and got it out no problem. I ended up renting a wedge shaped ball joint remover from autozone.

The front right strut (on my car) was completely shot! When I jacked up the car, the wheel was hanging extremely low. This is because the spring was basically completely uncompressed. Getting it out was a task. I had to jack up the strut, to compress the spring, in order to break the joint to get the strut out. When it broke free, it shot out from the wheel well. I figured this would happen, so I was trying to stand as clear as possible.


Here is a picture of the strut that I removed: The strut insert basicaly fell apart into 2 pieces lol





I did a 30 minute test drive and she's running great! Drives straight as an arrow, and is completly rattle free

 

Looks like you got your money's worth out of that strut insert!! Sorry I didn't run across this thread sooner but as you have discovered, removal is pretty straight forward once you've done it a couple of times! Congrats!