1991 Mercury Topaz strut removal

1991 MERCURY TOPAZ
180,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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HOLLYWOOD1962
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  • 4 POSTS
I have a 1991 Mercury Topaz and when I was changing the front brakes I stripped the spindle. I went to the wrecker and picked up a new one that came with a new strut. I am having a problem with the ball joint and the strut. How do I get the strut out and will this help get the ball joint out? I have all the bolts out and just need to get the strut out. If I use a #18 socket I can turn the bolt that holds the strut but everything turns with it. HELP.
Feb 12, 2008 at 7:57 PM
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MASTERTECHTIM
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 4,750 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
your not talking about the bolt on the top of the strut i hope. if you have the ball joint un bolted you need to hit it really hard where it connects to the spindle to jar it loose.
Feb 12, 2008 at 8:02 PM
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HOLLYWOOD1962
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  • 4 POSTS
[quote:8363cf9713="mastertechtim"]your not talking about the bolt on the top of the strut i hope. if you have the ball joint un bolted you need to hit it really hard where it connects to the spindle to jar it loose.[/quote:8363cf9713]


Yes I'm talking about the bolt on top of the strut. Did I do something wrong? I hit the ball joint hard and was able to get it out half was. I was talking to a friend and he said to use a long prybar on the control arm and push the ball joint out the rest of the way. Am I on the right path?
Feb 12, 2008 at 9:31 PM
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