How to remove front struts

2011 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
275,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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FRANK PLANT
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  • 1 POST
The problem is the bottom of the strut one side has a bolt that is easy to remove but the other side looks like it is welded on with a very shallow nut that is impossible to get a wrench on. what is the trick? Do I heat it up and hammer it out?
Dec 12, 2017 at 2:34 PM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 15,200 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
I think you are referring to the OEM captive head that comes on them normally. Item 5 in the image? On those you just run the nut off and the tab holds them. If the tab has come off it gets harder as there isn't a lot to grab. Most of the time they will be rusted in the bushing and the nut will come off and then you beat the bolt out. Another option is to grab a piece of flat steel, drill a hole that is close to the head size and drive it on like the original tab, then tack it in place. The option that also works is to grab a grinder and grind a couple flats that you can put some vice grips or a wrench on, or just grind the entire head off and drive it out from the "wrong" end.
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Dec 15, 2017 at 4:31 PM
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