Help Removing Broken Strut

[jaywish]

It seems from the pic that the hydraulic shaft is broken. My concern is that when I remove the upper control arm the darn thing may "SPRING" out in pieces at high velocity. I believe with the shaft broken there is nothing attaching the bottom of the coil. So how do I get it out safely? thanks, jay

[Tiggie]

I would try a spring compressor if you can get one on it.

Something like https://www.harborfreight.com/macphe...YaAmJAEALw_wcB

[jaywish]

Yea was thinking of that or a cutting torch?

[sly]

jack under the lower control arm is always a good idea to lower it down in a controlled manner. The spring should not extend more than about 4 inches or so beyond the shock length. Once the spring is relaxed, everything can drop out safely.

[jaywish]

So you think I can lower the lower sufficiently, maybe be discoing the sway bar as well, relying on the upper control arm to retain the spring?

[sly]

upper control arm is basically a catch. I would disconnect the lower ball joint and hang the upper control arm at a neutral point so the brake line isn't stressed and then lower the lower control arm until the spring goes slack or near enough you can finagle things without a ton of stored spring energy. Then release the lower strut mount and start getting that mess out. If the lower control arm is still really tense at the lowest droop, then you may need to use a spring compressor to take up some slack on that spring, but I don't think you'll need it. I would definitely go back with a complete strut for the replacement and not try to replace just the shock.

[jaywish]

I am leaning to a new complete unit. But i will keep the old springs in case I don't like the ride.