https://www.brickboard.com/GALLERY/volvopic.htm?js_link=&id=13146

Well i thought I'd loosen that top nut while the strut is secure in the car vs clamped in a cheezy vise. Setup is in the picture, includes a tool which holds the 9mm strut flats from turning. The nut won't budge, next step could be to HEAT via chezzy MAPP + Oxy gas torch or buy a real 21mm combination wrench with a long handle. I did jack up the a-arm to level, which probably relieved some pressure on the nut but still No go. Kroil applied earlier in the day. I try not to damage old parts, in case I never get them removed. That circular disk - black below the difficult nut seems to have a rubber coating on it, so I'm not sure how brave I can get. Cherry red nut - well not until i get real frustrated. So HEAT or buy an Earthquake lithium Impact Wrench or real 21mm wrench or ...? My index finger is black and blue from tugging on that wrench despite the big rag.

Yea , being a tough guy i didn't want to buy the complete strut kit that you just bolt in. COmes with spring and all. It's not VOLVO though.

By jacking up the A arm, you are putting more pressure on the spring and the large nut. Sounds like a gorilla installed the large nut instead of torquing it to 52lbs. Put a little more penetrating oil on it and let it sit, do both sides.

I always do as you are doing it, loosen the nut a turn, before removing the strut and spring. I have never had a problem with that process.


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Keeping it running is better than buying new

23.5 years - these parts are all married together. No immediate plans to even buy a strut for the other side. I'm doing this one strut because my son did wack the fender 9 years ago - and it could be my imagination but the strut might have a bend in it. Changing the strut sounded like FUN also. 52 ft lbs to put on in late 1994, 104 foot pounds to undo in 2018.

If i buy enough tools, I'll be tempted to get the 2nd strut on Black Friday sales.

My bernzomatic yellow and red MAPP - OXY didn't have enough beans to make anything glow red though. Will try a bigger wrench.