Front Suspension R & R (and left rear)

[Fergo86]

Hi CC I realise this post is a few years old but wondering how you got on? I have a 2001 v6 monza (so pre- sportspack I gather)  and am tackling the front suspension now. Thought I´d mention that I also have speedo ¨quirks¨ - such as under full load of A/C, stereo & charging phone , if I turn on my Highbeams the speedo will drop out. Previously speedo would droop in time to indicators but since installing LEDs that has stopped. thought it was an alternator issue but just a bad ground in instrument cluster I gather. not high on my list of repairs as i dont often have A/C on high at night when high beams are needed. maybe in winter!

Re suspension, I wanted to ask about how you took off the top strut nut. I have a set of ¨go-thru¨sockets but cannot grip the strut bolt- which has two flat sides. On youtube I see others fit a long 6mm socket through the 17mm socket to dis-assemble, but I cant get anything to fit it. I have read others just cut the old strut bolt off and grind the new bolt of new strut to fit a 6mm socket.
How did you go about it? I might have to take it to Pedders but would like to do it at home.. am installing bilstein B4s on stock springs.

Have decided to go for Strongflex bushes, however the upper wishbone ball joint has rounded where the allen key fits in =/ might have to source one from a wreckers and install the bushes in that.. any suggestions welcome

[bazzbazz]

A "Rattle Gun" with long socket usually works with no problem.

[cc]

Hi Fego & Baz
From memory it was a ring spanner with an offset that allows the ring to engage the nut when it sits in a recess. Then using an 'ordinary' spanner to engage the 2 flats on the top of the s/absorber shaft. There is a spanner manufactured specifically for this problem, hopefully its name will come! will then post. Will ask the guy at my tool shop next time I need a specific tool.
cheers

[bazzbazz]

Don't try and disassemble the front springs with spring compressors, its too dangerous, (as they are of the asymmetrical offset type) you need to use a proper strut compressor to do it safely.

(And before every idiot and his dog starts jumping up and down telling everyone that you CAN do it with spring compressors may I point out the critical word I used - SAFELY!!! )

Take them down to your local suspension specialist and get them to do it.

The rears you can do with spring compressors quite easily.

CC - I believe the tool you are referring to is a "Go-Through Socket"

[Fergo86]

Bazzbazz thanks to your reply, I have decided to take it to Pedders to swap them over, they charge less than the cost of good spring compressors anyway.

CC thanks I have seen a special socket used on youtube so would be keen to know if its made/available here
eLearn lists two tools, Key 1.870.663.000 & counter-torque 1.870.6644.000 for front strut disassembly
only the Key required for the rear struts

cheers for the info guys