Strut to Knuckle Bolts

[98escort]

Ok is there a trick to getting the bolts out that attach the strut to the spindle?

[JohnP]

You need to take the weight off the strut , use a punch to drive the bolt out . The bolt is a 12MM shoulder bolt , spray a little WD let it set.

[iceracer]

Turning the bolt after loosening the nut helps along with penetrating oil.

[2000ZxT]

I personally like to hit it with a MAAP gas torch after delousing it with PB Blaster and letting it sit for a little while. Then smash it with my trusty mallet.

If you do this be careful, for I think burning PB blaster is probably deadly, be sure to hold your breath if you do this.

[98escort]

I tried to take the weight off the strut by putting a jack under the balljoint and the rear drum, this did nothing, I cut the head off 2 of the bolts and hammered them out. Bought some new bolts at a store.

They just didn't seem to want to move at all. I am done with the passenger side now, after 3 hours :( If it wasnt for the strut/spindle bolts it would have been done in less then an hour.

[mechtech]

Rust can be tough.
You had a bad one.

[TSmiley98]

BFH or a good impast to spin them , never had any issues with the bolts, the only PITA's are the lower bolt on the rear spindles..

[Texas Tracer]

Just put a screwdriver in one side and hit the end of it with a hammer. Should poke it right out.

[mechtech]

This is why shop manuals that give labor rates are often wrong for the rust belt zones.
Things get triple difficult or more when there is rust.

[Texas Tracer]

Almost makes the hot ass weather down here worth it.

[98escort]

Mech- No Kidding I swear this car was in a flood or something, Welcome to Ohio I guess.

TSmiley- Used an impact took about 30 seconds to spin them a little bit. I also used a hammer... And yes those lower bolts on the rears absolutely suck.

Texas Tracer- I tried the screwdriver idea also, ended up going out and buying a punch for it.


And yes I am finally done, The Tokicos, Sprints and KYB Mounts are finally on. It pays off so well in the end, it always does. I plane to post pictures of just how bad my Drivers Side rear strut was. If stood up next to the fronts, it would be the same height. The thing just couldn't stay up.

[fireguy]

BFH or a good impast to spin them , never had any issues with the bolts, the only PITA's are the lower bolt on the rear spindles..

omfg.. i want to kill someone just thinking about those bolts..

[Alwayssideways]

Im doing mine tomorrow (again), the first time was pulling them off in a junk yard in 100 degree heat. I ended up cutting the control arm

[Texas Tracer]

Man I musta got lucky when I found my rear disks at the j/y. I just wiggled the spindle and knocked on the long bolt until it came off the lateral links. No cutting at all.