I started installing my Ohlin fixed perch today and ran into some trouble. The rears were no problem as was the front right.Then I get to the front left and I can't for the life of me get the bottom 19mm strut bolt to break free. I tried for 4 hours on this single bolt without any luck (spent an hour and a half on the first three struts!) Tried PB blaster multiple times, elbow grease, breaker bars, and even an electric impact wrench to no avail. I finally gave up and was going to go to a local autorepair shop but since I spent so much time on it, they were all closed. Looks like most of the places are closed tommorow also.

Do you guys have any suggestions? Is it safe to drive around like this (1 non matching strut)? Are there any good shops near Alameda that might be open tommorow that could help me out? Any guys in the area with big muscles want to give it a shot? Thanks guys!

 

Nobody? Well can someone tell me how safe it is to drive like this until I find a shop that can help me? Thanks.

 

it's safe, but I wouldn't push it hard. I would try to use a breaker bar + an extension pipe.

Good luck.

 

You should be fine in driving to a shop.

I had issues with mine, too... front right. Half inch 19mm socket + extension + drive + hollow jack handle as breaker bar + pb blaster + my 200lb frame... sounded like a small explosion when it broke loose.

 

Hmmm. Interesting. I'd PB Blaster it some more. I'd take it you were breaking the bolt from the nut side right? I know one of the bolts is a locking nut. So one side doesn't turn and the other does. Yeah... those bolts take some time. See if you can get a cheater bar to beat that sucker.

 

Thanks for the reply guys. Looks like I don't need to go to a shop afterall Not sure if it was the good nights rest or the PB Blaster finally getting to where it needed to but it finally gave way. When it did, the corner of the cheater bar hit my fender and I got a little dent But the bolt came off and the new strut was on in less than 20 min. I can't believe a 2 hour job turned into a 6+ hour fiasco! So anyone know a good dent removal shop in the area?

 

StupidDent!! Hehe. Shameless plug. StupidDent is now DetailAddict. He doesn't do any more dents, but definitely PM him and maybe he can point you in the right direction.

 

lol ain't that always a *****? You try forever on one damn bolt and can't get it...try it again the next day and it comes off instantly with no hesitation! Glad you finally got it. I kinda miss those fustrating moments lol.

 

Yea, Leo doesn't do dents anymore.. If Leo doesn't have any suggestions. Shoot me a pm and I can most likely help you out.

 

I wouldn't say "instantly with no hesitation" I think I was refreshed enough to get that last bit of energy to break that sucker loose. Made the loudest sound when it finally gave. I'm pretty darn sore right now but it was worth it and it's one of those "good" kind of soreness knowing the job was done without having to give up lol. The new struts rock BTW.

 

Thanks. I may take you up on it but I can only do it on the weekends. Do you know anyone or are you the man doin 'em?

 

I don't do pdr.. I could do it the old school way..

 

are you the one in alameda with the aspen white sti with the top part of the wing missing?

 

I have a WRB 04 STi (debadged) with a UK300 rear spoiler, SSR GT2 SBC's, JDM front lip/spats, and JDM fogs.