SL/R230: Front strut replacement
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Front strut replacement
Just completed front strut replacement with Arnott unit. I remember reading that others found it challenging to use the ball joint fork to release the lower joint when attempting this repair using a floor jack. There is just not enough height to get a good hit on the tool with the long handle that is typical of the tools most of us have in our tool box. I ran into this issue and found this solution. Harbor freight sells a ball joint removal tool attachment for an air hammer ($10). It is only about 5 inches total, less than half the length of a regular hand held tool. I first tried it with my air hammer but it would not release, however 3 good hits with a sledge hammer using the side of the hammer head and 1 hand on either side of the head and success. The rest was very easy , start to finish 1 hour .
I hope this helps someone else attempting this repair.
I hope this helps someone else attempting this repair.
#3
Senior Member
Yep, baby sledge and heat, I used one of these
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qu...tor-99849.html
and the cast iron tool snapped in 1/2
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qu...tor-99849.html
and the cast iron tool snapped in 1/2