1986 240 DL wagon; Blew the right front strut in a pot hole and trying to replace it but nothing I've tried works. A guy on this site said channel locks were the tool of choice - bought some - didn't work. With hood up, the bolt at the top of the strut is recessed below the central threaded rod which has flattened side for a crescent wrench to stabilize it. This would require a special box end wrench (15/16/'s) that would grip the bolt but allow a crescent wrench to grab the top of the rod. In other words - neither a normal box end wrench works or a deep socket. The thing would look like a spark plug puller for a chain saw if you know what that looks like. Sooooooo. ------ how does one get a hold or order, find a special tool for Volvo 240 struts PLEASE? I've taken the tire off three times and disked with it and my bacon is burned! Smiley face. Not really.

 

The channel locks are to get the large nut off that holds the strut into the strut tube.

The nut under the hood - the shaft of the strut has a flat on it to hold while you loosen the 15/16? or metric size nut.

I've always just used an impact wrench - i'm sure there's some sort of special socket but never needed it. Years ago if something like that was needed - I would just make something - cut a socket, weld a handle to it - to make room for an adjustable wrench to hold the strut cartridge shaft

 

I have used an impact wrench to get the nut at the top of the strut off. Otherwise you are looking at special wrenches.

Regarding the gland nut holding the strut in the tube, I question the viability of using a channel locks to get that off either. When I did struts last I had to put the strut tube in the vise and lay on the gland nut with a pipe wrench to get it loose. But I live in the rust belt so that makes everything more difficult.

 

I live in the south where rust is not a problem - we rarely see it (northern cars) and when we do most guys have no idea how to solve the special problems that rust makes. Have done a couple hundred 240 struts loosening with channel locks and not having to remove the strut from the car, it can tilt out of the wheel well to remove the spring - making replacement very quick.

 

Hi Hoonk - Thanks for reply. Don't have an impact wrench. Cutting a socket in half and welding a handle on to it is where I'm headed now.

 

You could use vise grips to hold the strut shaft (through the spring) for taking the top nut off - don't know if you could clamp them in an area of the shaft close enough to the top to avoid damaging the new strut shaft. Don't remember how the upper bump stop is held on -

 

Yo act1292 . . . . I live in the rust belt so that makes everything more difficult HA HA HA HA HA HA. I'LL TRY AND make the special tool. thx.