Rear strut R&R special tool? (gen 3)

[anti-seize]

Hi all,

Checked the FAQ and did a search, no dice.

I'm about to swap out the rear struts. The factory manual has a special tool you use when removing the top nut after compressing the spring. What can I use to replace that tool that holds the top part of the rear strut? Can I use a vice grip or something? I already have the strut compressors. I'm not asking about them.

TIA

[95WhiteCamry]

as far as i remember, when you compress the spring, you don't need anything special to remove the center nut holding the mount to the strut. i think it was something like a 19mm or so size...so just compress the spring, undo the nut and remove the mount.

[anti-seize]

Originally Posted by 95WhiteCamry

as far as i remember, when you compress the spring, you don't need anything special to remove the center nut holding the mount to the strut. i think it was something like a 19mm or so size...so just compress the spring, undo the nut and remove the mount.

Thanks for the super quick reply. I believe you, but manual says there's a special tool. You know Toyota and their special tools though. (For instance, I use a strap wrench when changing the timing belt)

oh, here is a link:

http://www.autozone.com/addVehicleId...00c15280074795

down by step 4 there's a crappy line drawing. Step 4 is "Remove the cap from the suspension support. Using a retaining tool to hold the seat, such as 09729-22031 or equivalent remove the nut."

Other comments are welcome. TIA

[TMack409]

Originally Posted by anti-seize

Thanks for the super quick reply. I believe you, but manual says there's a special tool. You know Toyota and their special tools though. (For instance, I use a strap wrench when changing the timing belt)

oh, here is a link:

http://www.autozone.com/addVehicleId...00c15280074795

down by step 4 there's a crappy line drawing. Step 4 is "Remove the cap from the suspension support. Using a retaining tool to hold the seat, such as 09729-22031 or equivalent remove the nut."

Other comments are welcome. TIA

I'm betting the special tool keeps the detents on the top of the strut lined up inside the upper mount.....??? That is easy to work around - just make a mark at the very top of the threaded part of the strut to correspond with the two detents that are about an inch or so further down the strut. You can NOT see them (detents) when assembling the upper mount on the strut. So you need the "guide" (pencil marking? or other) to keep things in alignment. Tip: upon disassembly, loosen the big nut a turn or so before taking anything else apart. I forgot to do this on the first one and had to use a wooden dowel on the three studs to keep the upper mount from moving whilst I removed the big nut. Actually, an impact wrench would do a better job of removal now that I think about it......

[renmike]

When you go to loosen the nut on top, the upper mount will most likely spin with the nut, spinning the strut rod. That'll happen with a ratchet or an impact wrench. If you take something like a long screwdriver and brace it between two of the mount bolts, when you go to loosen the nut, you should be able to hold the mount in place to let the nut loosen.

[rangyhulu]

I just did my rear struts. The top nut is much easier to remove if you slightly loosen the 19mm nut while the strut is in place in the vehicle.
Check out the first picture in this thread. Though it's for a front strut, it applies to the rear as well.
DIY: Gen 3 front struts

[zoni]

Originally Posted by rangyhulu

I just did my rear struts. The top nut is much easier to remove if you slightly loosen the 19mm nut while the strut is in place in the vehicle.
Check out the first picture in this thread. Though it's for a front strut, it applies to the rear as well.
DIY: Gen 3 front struts

Ding Ding Ding we have a winner!!!

yeah that tool is for using a regular socket wrench to do the job... impact wrench will get it with just holding the top mount with a gloved hand. But i like rangyhulu's idea MUCH better...