getting steering knuckle off the strut......

surfbug1 · Post by **surfbug1** » Fri Jul 15, 2005 9:21 pm

I got the ball joint off.....

just cant get the steering knuckle and the strut apart.....

tried a bfh..........big frigging hammer!!!

help[????

big al

surfbug1

Post by **Piledriver** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 6:41 pm

Yes, BFH time.

Get some PB Blaster or Kroil and let it soak for awhile first.

surfbug1 · Post by **surfbug1** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 7:30 pm

doing that right now...thanks!!!!

big al

I will let you know when it comes apart!!!!!

then I can put in my topline stuff....

I lowered the front to the 3rd last lowest notch.....out of eight notches....howpefully not toooooooooo low.....

go tthe flipit kit though.....

should be cool.....

can not wait!!!!!!!!!1

Post by **Piledriver** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 11:36 pm

I cut off/moved the spring perches on my sons bug 2 3/8", and it's a hair too low with 185-60s on std Mexi-chrome 5.5x15 wheels.

...but if you go skinny, (135s/145s) you might be OK.(probably not considering the forum)

The 7/8" swaybar helped a lot tho.

175/60s for a Mini might be in order up front, unless you are going wide fender, the please disregard.

surfbug1 · Post by **surfbug1** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 9:35 pm

SO...

i AM STILL STUCK....

THE struts won't come out.....of the steering knuckle.....

I tried pb blaster, and propane heat...about a can of each on the pair of struts.....

I am also banging on them, and trying to hit them side to side, and then hit them from the bottom up....

like from the ball joint area up toward the top of the car....

the assembly is out o fth ecar, and the ball joint is off...

now, this thing comes apart so that in the end, the steering knuckle has a huge whole in it where the strut was right?

how long do I have to do this,
do I need a machine shop and a press?>
should I get big pipe wrenches on the strut and torque it>?

help

I am getting tired of this....

I used a big steel mallet-sledge, and now I am using a hammer.....

ideas??

I could buy other rust stuff....if needed

al

Post by **Piledriver** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 12:09 am

...?
If there's better penetrating oil out there than BP Blaster or Kroil, please let us know.

Take out the 3 (? memory?) bolts, put the strut (wrapped in a towel or such) in a vise, and have at with the hammer. Comes apart at the flange, sticks onto a big hole, tight fit, might have to pry up after you get some and spray some more PB.

I have usually done it with the strut still hanging from the car...

I've done it on a few supers... It CAN be tough, but it sounds like you're doing it right.

If you can, send me a pic of what you have, maybe it'll jog my memory for any tricks..
(Son has car 20 miles away at his house...)

My e-mail works.

surfbug1 · Post by **surfbug1** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 8:54 pm

getting it off slowly....................
I will keep in touch......

I can't find the air kroil or kroil any where.....in nyc.....

more heat and more banging.....

slow but sure...

al

Post by **Piledriver** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 8:07 am

IIRC once you "get some" it helps to pry AND hammer at the same time.

Post by **Piledriver** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 11:38 pm

Is it off yet?

surfbug1 · Post by **surfbug1** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 2:02 pm

hey piledriver...;

I got the one side off.....

but the other one I sissy'd out and paid a mechanic 30 bucks....

I was tired of wrestling with it.....

so they are both off....

Now

I have to drill the 5/8 hole for the flipit kit....and

loosen up the tie rod....that baby is rusted......

big al

I might just buy a new tie rod.....

I hate rust!!!

So I am gonna get kroil just to keep on hand....

that stuff is the best ....right?

al

Post by **Piledriver** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 11:00 pm

There is no shame in hiring a professional, I "pay" myself ~$5/hr for decisions like that.

I have had the best luck with either Kroil OR PB Blaster, same same.

Anything else I have tried is a wanne-be.

Happy to see you making progress, by whatever means!

surfbug1 · Post by **surfbug1** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 9:57 pm

paid a guy 50bux for two 5/8 drill holes in the steering arm...

knuckle

friendly machine shop my rear endusss....

so...

makin progress

the pass side is on, just have to go over the bolts, washers and torques....

the drive sid eis going on now...

then put on tires...

bleed brakes...(broke a brake line at the nut part on the drum ...need ot cut and reseat or buy a new one...help>?

then chekc it out...

also got my svda from johan at aircooled net.......gonna cure the stuble too!!!!!!!!!!!1

stumble...................

big al

tired....

midnight qrenching!!!!!!wrenching!!!!!!!!!