98 v70 xc problem geting nut off top of strut

Post by **Clockboy** » 15 Oct 2015, 05:23

So I was changing the tie rods and sway bars and wanted to replace the strut spring seats. Removed the strut and used the spring compressors for macpherson struts to compress the spring. My problem arose when I tried to get the nut off. It would not budge even when I applied what I thought was a lot of torque on it. My thought was the spring was not compressed quite enough and it was applying too much pressure on the nut, but time was short and I just did not have time to play with it. My question is how much to compress the spring and is there a trick for breaking the nut loose with hand tools? Also once done I do not think there is an adjustment in there for the alignment without some sort of shims since everything is so positive so I'm wondering if once everything is bolted back up is there wiggle room or is it just set.

Post by **abscate** » 15 Oct 2015, 05:26

The spring should have room to move up and down or else it isn't compressed enough.

Be careful on this job...you can get badly Hooked....

Post by **Clockboy** » 15 Oct 2015, 06:58

I think I need to readjust the compressor arms so they are at the top most available point on the spring and make sure the health insurance is paid up. The spring compressor I have actually bolts to the spring coils. I tried one with some hooks but immediately abandoned it as a trip to the hospital seemed all too possible. I've read that using an o2 socket works pretty well and then the bolt can be set for the proper torque.

Post by **kahl** » 15 Oct 2015, 07:20

Which top nut are you referring to....the nut above the strut mount cap or the crown nut P/N31262068 above the spring seat?

FCP Groton sells a cam bolt the slides into the upper bolt hole in the spindle so you can set negative or positive camber.

Post by **erikv11** » 15 Oct 2015, 07:44

For the record, it is totally fine to break the top nut free with the strut in the car. That's one method that works pretty well.

Post by **RussB** » 15 Oct 2015, 07:48

Erik nails it. Loosen the nut BEFORE you remove the strut

Post by **Clockboy** » 15 Oct 2015, 08:02

Never even thought about breaking it loose while still on the car. Excellent advise.

Post by **RussB** » 15 Oct 2015, 13:05

Clockboy wrote:Never even thought about breaking it loose while still on the car. Excellent advise.

It's one of those things we all learn the hard way