I looked through the archives and did some word searching but no luck. i have a 1985 gsl-se that im trying to replace my front left strut. the new ones come in tommorrow and it is stuck on the car. i have removed the 4 shock tower bolts. i tried to step on the rotor to push the air down and remove the whole assembly but it doesnt move down far enough. the bolts under the bottom go to the steering,sway bar and ect. and for some reason i cannot get to all of those bolts. i have even tried to impact socket the main strut bolt of but it just spins, and thats with me holding the actual strut with vice grips. does anyone know where i can look up and online manual or give me pointers? thanks

 

reinstall the tires and take the car off jackstands. once on the ground, work on the top strut nut. this is the first thing I do on strut change out.

 

alright i will try that. and if that doesnt work? is it a easy possible way to get the whole assemby out without removing the swap bar and all of that?

 

yes. Unbolt the 2 17mm bolts @ lower control arm. Then very carefully and slowly, loosen the large nut that holds the cartridge to the strut tube. grab a long pipe and wedge it between the frame and sway bar. use this pipe to lower the LCA, thus reduce the tension on the coil spring.

once tension is gone, move the strut tube away from the LCA. also, be sure to place some drop cloth or cardboard on the floor as fluid will leak from the cartridge.

the rest is self-explanatory.

 

ok got the bolt off of the strut. how can i get the cartredge off the strut housing?

 

channel lock or a chisel and a hammer or something similar to loosen the large nut. sorry, as usual, I have been drinking all morning while replacing the LCAs and brake pads in my DD accord. lol

 

FYI....there is a good write-up in the archive.
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-archive-71/suspension-diy-1st-gen-front-suspension-w-lots-pics-555693/

 

^^^I guess you didnt read the entire thread.