Ok , I own an 85 gs with over 200k on the shell.

I decided it was time to come off the jack and replace the shocks and struts. So I swapped out the rear shocks and low and behold they were the original factory equip. I changed them out and took it for a drive (Oh my God, this thing ******* rocks got it to 105 and the frond end started feeling funny so I let off and went home) I jack up the front end and start pulling the hub assembly apart the nut that holds the bearings in was only finger tight pulled it all out and the rear bearing middle section pulled off of the actual needle bearings.

Now I have a few questions:

1. how do I remove the insert from the assembly (some sort of freaky nut at the base of the rod)

2. good replacement bearings (napa or Mazda)

3. how to get the nut off the top of the cartridge (seen from engine bay)

peace

 

1) You have to clamp the spring and do something else I forget

2) Ive used the off brands one, seem to be ok.

3) Air tools! Impact gun will take it offf w/o problem...

 

You're going about it slightly wrong if you took the hub off. It's pretty simple:

First jack the car up, remove the tire, then remove the caliper from the hanger. (note: you may want to loosen the large flat nut holding the strut in place now, while the assembly can be easily and securely held in place). Remove the two bolts at the bottom of the strut assembly, remove the four nuts at the top of the strut tower. Drop the strut assembly out and compress the spring, then remove the large nut at the top of the spring hat, slip the spring off, remove the large thin nut holding the strut in place, slip the strut out, drain the oil, put the new strut in, fill with proper amount of light oil. Assembly is reverse of removal and make sure you torque all the nuts and bolts properly.

 

Just remember when you take the big hex nut at the top off to remove the cartridge, there is a rubber o-ring holding the cartridge in around the top, you have to remove that as well and the cartridge slides out.

 

Sorry if you didn't need that explanation, I read through your post quickly. Oh, and answers to your questions:

1. I find that a nice monkey wrench before removing the assembly is the easiest way
2. Mazda bearings are better, but if you're on a tough budget then off-brand ones will do.
3. You'll need to hold the shaft of the strut with some kind of pliers (preferably locking ones) and hit the nut with an impact wrench.

 

Oil? I got gas cartridges. I dont see anywhere to add any oil. or does it go into the sleve where the cart. goes?

peace