Adjusting a strut mount

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WA1DH

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I bought KYB pre-assembled struts for my Ford Escort to replace some rear struts with broken springs. I got one of them in with no issues, but I can't get the other one to line up properly. I finally stood it up next to the old one and realized that when I have the mounting brackets lined up on the bottom of the strut (facing the same direction), the studs on the top are slightly off. I need to either turn the strut mount plate clockwise or turn the piston counterclockwise to make it line up. How do I do this? Do I need to use a spring compressor and then loosen the center nut to make the mount turn?

http://s18.postimg.org/ylt0ndbqx/IMG_4078.jpg
 
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If you want to rotate that mount, you're gonna have to compress that spring a little bit to take the pressure off the mount. Sounds like you got two left struts or two right struts.
 
+1 NMBurb02. Do not start loosening springs on the strut there is no need. There is a bearing in there so the strut can turn in the mount.
Bolt it up in there an secure it on top, put a screwdriver through the lower bolt holes and turn it which way you need

It will be a but stiff but thats normal, most of the time it can be turned easily enough by hand.
 
It's not two right struts, I got the right parts for each side. Does the bearing rotate even though it's a rear strut? I thought just the fronts were meant to rotate. Will try tomorrow and see what I can do.
 
Originally Posted By: Oil Changer
Try loosening but not removing the center nut.


I would not do that on an uncompressed spring. and it won't help.
I'd either compress the spring with a proper compressor tool, or use a screwdriver and a pipe or long prybar.

Really if you are capable of removing strut assemblies and replacing them, you are probably mechanically inclined enough to change struts with a decent set of spring compressors. I bought a set 20 years ago and it has been worth every penny.
 
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Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Originally Posted By: NMBurb02
Attach the mount to the car and use a pry bar on the bottom mounting bracket to rotate the strut?


I would also try this.


I used the Monroe's on my escort and they lined up fine, but I would bolt up the top and stick a screwdriver in one of the bottom holes and see if you can turn them to line up.

On a side note, is that an escort muffler in your picture? I'm trying to remove mine right now and it's stuck, any tips to getting the pipes separated?
 
I was having trouble bolting the top up because the bottom bracket wanted to slide into the bracket on the wheel. Will see what I can do now that I know it can be rotated.

Muffler came off with an air cutting wheel, air chisel, and a big hammer. It started to budge and I climbed behind and wrestled it off the rest of the way. Fun stuff..
 
Originally Posted By: JamesBond
On a side note, is that an escort muffler in your picture? I'm trying to remove mine right now and it's stuck, any tips to getting the pipes separated?


I still have the original muffler on my 1995 LX....
But I have done exhaust work on other cars. Would really need a picture. Having said that, IIRC the escort muffler is clamped on. I assume that the clamp has been removed or rusted off, and you are having trouble removing the muffler because the indent caused by the clamp?
 
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Originally Posted By: JamesBond
On a side note, is that an escort muffler in your picture? I'm trying to remove mine right now and it's stuck, any tips to getting the pipes separated?


I still have the original muffler on my 1995 LX....
But I have done exhaust work on other cars. Would really need a picture. Having said that, IIRC the escort muffler is clamped on. I assume that the clamp has been removed or rusted off, and you are having trouble removing the muffler because the indent caused by the clamp?


Yes, I'm replacing the replacement muffler, it's a slip fit with a clamp. The clamp is off and I cut a slit along the outside pipe and have been peeling it open with a hammer and screwdriver but the rust and the dent from the clamp are making it a pain.

Thanks ford for putting this connection right above the rear subframe, another 6 inches back would have been nice.

I'm making progress with the tools that I have, it's just frustrating.
 
Originally Posted By: Oil Changer
We never get updates. I hate that.


UPDATE!
smile.gif


I ended up using a spring compressor to compress the spring, after which I was able to twist the mount by hand. Never had to touch the center nut. Everything lined up, struts went in, and the car is back on the road once again.

On a side note love this forum and spend a lot more time reading than posting. I've had a handful of automotive and household projects to work on so apologize in not coming back here sooner!

Thanks again.
 
Originally Posted By: WA1DH
Originally Posted By: Oil Changer
We never get updates. I hate that.


UPDATE!
smile.gif


I ended up using a spring compressor to compress the spring, after which I was able to twist the mount by hand. Never had to touch the center nut. Everything lined up, struts went in, and the car is back on the road once again.

On a side note love this forum and spend a lot more time reading than posting. I've had a handful of automotive and household projects to work on so apologize in not coming back here sooner!

Thanks again.


A good decent spring compressor, is so handy to have around. Now you can rebuilt struts cheaper than buying quickstruts.
 
Originally Posted By: spasm3
A good decent spring compressor, is so handy to have around. Now you can rebuilt struts cheaper than buying quickstruts.


True, but if you live someplace where cars rust, like the OP does, then you really don't want to reuse springs and strut mounts:

escortleftbackupperstre.jpg


2chpbfk.jpg
 
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Originally Posted By: spasm3
A good decent spring compressor, is so handy to have around. Now you can rebuilt struts cheaper than buying quickstruts.


True, but if you live someplace where cars rust, like the OP does, then you really don't want to reuse springs and strut mounts:



Yikes thats bad!!
I usually always use new mounts and its still less expensive, figure in springs, and yes quick struts might be the way to go.
 
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