Brian D from NJ
Senior Member
Posts: 540
Loc: Riverside, New Jersey
Reg: 04-28-04
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08-13-17 08:07 PM - Post#2704036
I'm replacing the struts on my 2002 TB. The whole unit type, not just the springs aLone.
This is the first time they're being replaced. The right one came out without a problem. Took me some time to get through 15 years of dirt,oil, grease and rust but it came out without incident. I used plenty of PB Blaster.
Now, the left one. If anyone is familiar with struts, the bottom connects to the lower control arm. The rest of the connectors came off fine - the upper ball joint and suspension control link.
Now, in order to remove the lower part of the strut you have to spread the "pinch bolt" slightly so the lower control arm will drop off.
I used a chisel on the right side to do this. I used the same chisel on the left side but cant spread the lower part enough. I can see the chisel though the bolt hole but don't want to keep hitting on it for fear of breaking this.
Can someone give me any ideas on what you used to remove the bottom of the strut?
Thanks in advance.
| Just because your car/truck was "Made In America" doesn't mean it's American made... think about it. Buy American First. |
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Shepherd
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1230
Loc: Lake George, NY
Reg: 11-11-15
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08-14-17 05:42 AM - Post#2704064
In response to Brian D from NJ
Google how to remove trailblazer struts, first Utube video is very good.
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 gchemist
Senior Chevytalk Moderator
Posts: 24274
Loc: Austin, TX 78748
Reg: 05-09-00
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08-14-17 07:02 AM - Post#2704074
In response to Shepherd
Here's the video link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIWZYGu-3a8
'95 Jimmy SLT (Bought @131,814)
'83 Silverardo XST - ZZ4 powered
'96 GMC Jimmy LS Ret. @236651 miles
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Brian D from NJ
Senior Member
Posts: 540
Loc: Riverside, New Jersey
Reg: 04-28-04
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08-14-17 07:41 AM - Post#2704082
In response to gchemist
Thanks for the replies, but I've watched these before I actually did mine.
The issue I'm facing is the removal off the bottom of the strut from the lower control arm.
If anyone has any ideas or tools (other than chisels or screw drivers jammed in there) it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
| Just because your car/truck was "Made In America" doesn't mean it's American made... think about it. Buy American First. |
|
gchemist
Senior Chevytalk Moderator
Posts: 24274
Loc: Austin, TX 78748
Reg: 05-09-00
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08-14-17 09:09 AM - Post#2704094
In response to Brian D from NJ
Can you post a pic? Yea, it's scary sometimes to beat on parts.
Piece of wood and a good hammer.
'95 Jimmy SLT (Bought @131,814)
'83 Silverardo XST - ZZ4 powered
'96 GMC Jimmy LS Ret. @236651 miles
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Edited by gchemist on 08-14-17 09:11 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Brian D from NJ
Senior Member
Posts: 540
Loc: Riverside, New Jersey
Reg: 04-28-04
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08-14-17 01:58 PM - Post#2704139
In response to gchemist
Hey gchemist,
I've got everything together and have been driving on it for about a week and won't get back to it until this weekend, 8/19. If then.
There really isn't much to see. The original one remains. Again, I just need to spread the bottom pinch bolt on the lower control arm enough to remove it and haven't been able to do that.
Sorry.
| Just because your car/truck was "Made In America" doesn't mean it's American made... think about it. Buy American First. |
|
gchemist
Senior Chevytalk Moderator
Posts: 24274
Loc: Austin, TX 78748
Reg: 05-09-00
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08-14-17 02:15 PM - Post#2704145
In response to Brian D from NJ
Do you have a small pipe wrench? Try spinning the shock inside coil. If it's spread apart enough to see the chisel inside the bolt hole, use a 2 lb hammer and tap the opposite side.
'95 Jimmy SLT (Bought @131,814)
'83 Silverardo XST - ZZ4 powered
'96 GMC Jimmy LS Ret. @236651 miles
|
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Brian D from NJ
Senior Member
Posts: 540
Loc: Riverside, New Jersey
Reg: 04-28-04
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08-14-17 05:56 PM - Post#2704197
In response to gchemist
OK, I'll give it a "shot" (pun intended...  )
| Just because your car/truck was "Made In America" doesn't mean it's American made... think about it. Buy American First. |
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