When intsall the front struts the diagram shows that you must remove the control arm too, it could be showing removal of the control arm and the struts in the same pic, is if anybody has done this procedure can you help me out?

 

You have to remove the two inner bolts from the upper control arm; you don't have to disconnect the balljoint though. Without the arm disconnected there is not room to swing the strut up through the arm and into the top mount. It helps if you disconnect one side of the anti-roll bar too. That way when you put in the new strut there is absolutely no tension on the lower a-arm. The bottom mount has steel bushings that slide within the a-arm. I had to tap mine back a bit so my strut (Koni) would drop in. If you have trouble look closely and you'll understand.

 

thanks a bunch man -- koni is what i have too

 

Just watch that you don't rip out your ABS sensor. You are supposed to remove it as well, but it is often frozen on. I could not get the sensor off which made it more difficult to do the struts.

 

Yesterday i found out that i need the struts mounts also -- 59.00 each--- do know where i can get them cheaper--- other than a dealershp