Front Strut replacement?

2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS
151,233 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
GHOSTSHIP817
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Replacing the front struts on my car listed above. Finally got the driver side out. It’s very straight forward. Remove the one top nut followed by the two bolts on bottom and slide out. Slide the new one in and button it up.

My problem is (and was on the driver's side) my passenger side is equally difficult. The top nut spins with the struts shaft/bolt that it feeds. I’ve tried holding it with pliers, open ended wrenches, ratchet wrench, I can’t get the nut to come off. I ended up using a rotary tool to cut the nut/shaft out. I’d rather not do that again. Any suggestions?
Nov 14, 2024 at 11:19 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 15,146 POSTS
If you are not reusing them, take a pipe wrench and set it to clamp the strut shaft. Now use an impact on the nut while pushing down on the pipe wrench, the idea is to try to get the corner of the wrench jaws to grab enough that the nut comes off.
Nov 15, 2024 at 1:40 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
GHOSTSHIP817
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Sounds good. I’ll give that a go. Appreciate the quick reply.
Nov 15, 2024 at 11:30 AM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 15,146 POSTS
They can be tough to get loose sometimes.
Nov 15, 2024 at 12:15 PM