I'm about to swap my OEM Strut/Spring with another one that I bought from a member. I notice that the top hat on the front ones I bought can spin while the rears are static. Springs are already on. Are the front top hats supposed be able to spin? I haven't remove mine off the car and this would be the first time I'm doing a strut swap.
thanks!

 

Yes, the front spins freely like that.

Take note of this how-to since...

http://www.evomoto.com/tech_articles..._article_id=22

 

Thanks for the link..but I'm gonna quit. That @#$%ing front bottom 19mm nut won't budge. I broke the breaker bar trying make it move...yes the break bar broke! WTF? Probably going to suck it up and pay a shop

 

Soak it in PB Blast. After half an hour or so, use a propane torch to heat the nut (please don't get anywhere near the shock absorber), and it should budge.

 

Isn't PB flammable?

 

Just take it to the shop, lol

 

What about an electric impact wrench? Is that not recommended?

 

When using an impact wrench on a stuck nut, the wrench, if powerful enough, will eventually remove the nut or shear the threaded portion, also removing the nut. In this case the bolt is on the huge size so an impact would be a good choice. However, if it doesn't come free within a few seconds it is time to stop and make a new plan.

 

Just used an electric impact wrench with 350 lb/ft torque and failed. I tried using the floor jack to jack the breaker bar wrench -- failed. This bolt will not move. BTW, I'm working on the rear strut lower bolt. I used cans of PB Blaster, WD 40, liquid wrench overnight and failed. I can't use the butane and acetone/atf mix because of the work area. So, I'm tapped out as far as home conventional means. Anyone else have idea I haven't try? Does a shop have industrial techniques to remove this bolt?

 

These bolts aren't that tight. Stupid question, but you sure you're turning the bolts the "right" direction? Lefty loosey?

 

Yes Sir. Counterclockwise to loosen...at least try to! lol The previous owner removed it and to install Tein S springs, so I know they came off before. He must've have He-Man reinstalled it!

 

You need to be prepared for a broken bolt. I had this happen in the same spot on an integra. We finally got the bolt to spin and it broke in side the bushing so we had to pull the arm and press out bushing and all.

Your best bet is to find someone who has like a 1000-ftlb impact wrench and let them try. The bigger the breaker bar you use the more chance you have of breaking the bolt because you normally end up putting a bending moment on the bolt. you don't get that with a impact wrench

 

probably just too much rust. suggest using a nut splitter and buying new a new nut/bolt set.