1996 Dodge Caravan Replacing Strut Assy and stripped the To

208,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JASONY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hello,

I thought I'd save a few bucks and replace the entire strut ass'y for both front wheels myself. Done this multiple times for 1995 Dodge Caravan but the configuration was a bit different.

I ran into a problem on the driver's side when trying to detach the sway bar from the strut. I stripped the torx head. I've never tried to loosen a torx head before but my son was holding a wrench on the nut part so it wouldn't turn, and I proceeded to turn "left". It turned a bit then became difficult. So I turned "right". Same thing, until it stripped.

Can this be drilled out, and if so, is it something I could do? Also, I really want to see this project through myself but as you can tell I'm not a mechanic - just someone whose learning as he goes. What advise do you have for me on the passenger's side?

Thanks for your help.

Jason
Apr 20, 2008 at 6:27 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,512 POSTS
Sorry to hear about the bad luck with the stripped nut/bolt if you can not loosen it the only fix is to cut it off, you can use a torch or a cutoff tool. There is no easy fix for this problem. On the other side use quality tools to hold the nut securely and make sure the tool is positioned properly.
Apr 20, 2008 at 3:14 PM
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