I have a 1997 v90 that needs new struts. I ordered them (monroe brand) from partsgeek.com for $76/each with free shipping. I got the drivers side wheel off and everything off except for the bottom strut knuckle bolt. I tried every socket/wrench combination I had, along with wd40, tapping on it, etc. I am about to make a last stand with an impact wrench that I bought from autozone, which I hope to be able to return for a refund after I use it. The bolt is stripped a little now. If this doesnt work, I will have to find an indie shop in the Memphis area who will accept the struts that I bought. Any tips anybody might have to get that bolt out would be great.

 

try some PBlaster or any actual penetrating oil

 

GOBON73:

Last time I did struts ('04 grand am), careful and cyclical (think heat/cool cycle to break the bond between the threads) application of a propane torch to the knuckle (NOT THE BOLTS) did the trick. My impact wrench wouldn't budge them before, but they came out after only a little bit of cranking after.

How did you start to strip the bolt, if you don't mind me asking? I know that when I first started wrenching on my cars, I made the mistake of occasionally using 12 point sockets on extremely tight fasteners. Stripped every one I approached until I realized that 12 points will strip fasteners easier because they don't engage the entire side of the head/nut.

Also, and I'm sorry if you have been, make sure that you give your penetrating lubricant time to work its way in. Don't expect it to just loosen everything immediately (I speak from past experience). Good luck!

 

Finally got it off with wd40 and a vice grip wrench. I replaced the struts only, not the whole strut kit, which was probably a mistake. I tightened everything, and Im still having popping sounds. Im going to go back in and tighten everything up with an impact wrench and see if that stops the popping.

 

The "popping sounds" may be from the bearings at the top of the struts, did you replace them? Other things I found that create popping sounds are the roll bar links, roll bar bushings, the bushings in the suspension arms, etc. Good luck!