My RF strut is clunking and loose up in the mount area. Can I replace this without pulling the spring all the way off? What all does this involve? Thanks

 

Sorry, you will have to compress the spring and remove the top nut from the strut shaft to remove the mount. You will want to have an impact gun (electric or air) handy to remove the nut from the strut. Hold the shaft with channel-locks with a rag around the shaft to prevent damaging the shaft surface and crack the nut loose with the impact gun.

I tried doing it without an impact gun, against the advise of a very wise mechanic, and found out the hard way.
Stan

 

I've had very good luck using the impact gun but without holding the strut shaft. Just compressed the springs using the "loaner" tool from Advance Auto Parts (or Autozone) then spun the nut right off with the impact.

On my old 240 years ago I held the shaft and managed to scratch it which could harm the seals inside the strut when compressed. I tried to avoid that nowadays.

 

Thanks... so it sounds like it is fairly simple. I have an air gun. All I will have to do is compress the spring and then replace the mount? I shouldn't have to take anything else apart?

 

It really isn't that hard to do. One more thing, jack up both sides. Otherwise you will be fighting the sway bar.

How old are your struts? Might consider replacing them while you are at it.

 

Yes, compress the spring so it does not fly off, hit the nut with the impact gun, pay attention to how it comes apart as the spring sits a certain way, replace old with new. I'd also recommend replacing the strut while you have it apart. Might need a front wheel alignment when you are done. Depends on how close you get it back to it's original location.

 

Thanks Hudini and AutoNaut! Can I also replace the strut without removing the spring but just by compressing it? What struts do you recommend? This is for a 2001 S40 Turbo.

 

You will have to remove the spring. As far as brand, it depends on what you are looking for. I wanted to improve handling and went with Koni Sport Yellows. They were great but pricey. I have also heard good things about Bilstein. My factory struts were stamped Monroe but I am not sure if that means that they were made by the Monroe shock company. I had heard that they were made by Sachs.

TireRack.com runs good deals once in a while.
Stan

 

Thanks AutoNaut,

I think for know I am just going to change out the mount to get it done as fast and inexpensive as possible. As I am doing it I am sure I'll figure out more how to change the struts and consider changing them in the future. I've got to tackle the timing belt know too.