How to remove old struts - the ball ends attached to the vehicle will not budge (used Blaster) and there are no clips or slots on the struts- the indent you can see on the photos doesn't access anything. Anyone solved this puzzle?
FJ62 rear liftgate strut removal
- Thread starter tuffspot
- Start date
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if you can't get the strut removed from the ball, there may be a small snap ring wire that holds it on the ball
I would use a cut off wheel and cut the strut housing to get it off the ball
then use a 6 point socket or leave ball and install new strut on old ball
I would use a cut off wheel and cut the strut housing to get it off the ball
then use a 6 point socket or leave ball and install new strut on old ball
- Thread starter
- #4
Thanks but that first part where she uses a wrench to remove the existing ball? My ball won't budge. All four are frozen in place.
Aaah got it. It has been a minute since I changed mine out, but I recall steady pressure with a bar on the wrench. I don't see any rust in your photo so guessing just a little more umph?
Maybe your wrenches are worn out.
If you can get the ball to pop out, I'd highly suggest to use a 6pt socket.
If not, try some vice grips or channel lock pliers.
Leverage and a strong grip on the flats will be your best friend here.
If you can get the ball to pop out, I'd highly suggest to use a 6pt socket.
If not, try some vice grips or channel lock pliers.
Leverage and a strong grip on the flats will be your best friend here.
Use a flare wrench to get the ball off. Don't use an open ended wrench like the lady in that video. Put a longer pipe on the wrench to increase the lever arm if needed.
You may need to file down some of the edges on that ball/nut that you rounded to get the flare wrench on.
You may need to file down some of the edges on that ball/nut that you rounded to get the flare wrench on.
Oh and get some Kroil.
I'm pretty sure I recall those being secured with loctite on my 62. Might be worth getting a little crack torch and carefully heating (not enough to melt the paint, of course)
Yep. I had to cut the ball off, then use a socket.
preferably use a die grinder with a small cutoff wheel. Protect the paint with some card board if possible.
preferably use a die grinder with a small cutoff wheel. Protect the paint with some card board if possible.