2001 Z24
I'm started my strut mounts today, got everything taken apart fine.
I took out the strut, mounts, spring etc.. all in one piece.
I compressed the spring until there was no tension on it, then I started to work on the top bolt... When turning the recessed bolt on top of the strut mount I noticed everything else turned...
I then looked closer and realized there are 2 bolts, the larger, which I believe I used a 13/16" socket, and the smaller, was a 1/4" socket.
I put the 1/4" socket on, then the 13/16" socket, making sure both were in place. I then used my craftsman extender, and used vise grips on the larger socket.
In theory, it was perfect.
It wasn't perfect in reality.
The flimsy 1/4" drive 1/4" socket extender BROKE.
I then gave up.
Any tips to remove the recessed nuts? I considered using my dremel to cut the whole part that sticks up above the nuts off, so I'd have the nuts sticking up above the rest.... but I didn't wanna cut anything before I asked.
Thanks in advance.
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
And now that I think about it, the small nut, I believe was a 10mm....
In any event, it's the small nut, inside the large one. The recessed set up is what has me stuck.
Thanks all.
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
I just did my struts on my 96, assume is similar. I believe the end is 10mm, I used a 1/2 inch drive with a breaker bar and a box end wrench(offset maybe) for the larger nut. Tapped wrench with a hammer and broke loose, had breaker bar rotated against floor to hold in place.
I would not cut anything, unless you are sure you do not need for re-assembly.
I have read there is also a special socket with the side cut out so you can put a small wrench through it, I don't see it is really necessary.
Good Luck!
Glenn, on the 95-99 the nut on the strut mounts is ABOVE the strut tower.
On the 2000+ The nut is RECESSED, and you can only get to it with a socket. And there are the same 2 nuts you had in yours.
The only problem, is with the nut being recessed, a simple wrench won't work. Which is why when I finally get these replaced, I'm putting in mounts for a 95-99.
Thanks for the input, but if you get a chance to check out a 2000+ You'll see what a huge pain it is, and how lucky you are to have a 96!
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
I just did mine a week again and had the same problem. I snapped 2 10mm sockets trying to get it off because I was turning them the wrong way. The 10mm "bolt on top is not actually a bolt, it is the end of the shaft from the strut. It turns, but if you are trying to loosen that off while keeping the 13/16" but stationary you are actually TIGHTENING the 13/16" nut which is the one you actually want to take off.
What I did was take strut assembly and lay it sideways on the ground. then take the 10mm socket and position it so you can step on the handle while it is pinned between you foot and the ground, then take a big wrench (20 or 21mm wrench) and loosen THAT nut. It works slick...
Same problem Darrell....
My car is a 2001.
On the 2000+ where the nuts are, there is a "cup" that hides the sides of the nuts so you can't use a standard wrench to get to them.
Also, my NEW mounts, are 95-99 mounts.
Where the EFF do the parts go? Will the 2000+ mount be similar with parts placement and appearance?
I have the large mount, a metal disc, the bearing disc with a plastic side and rubber side, then I have a metal "cup" with a hole in the bottom, I'm not sure if there's anything else, and 2nuts and a bolt which attach the strut mount to the car.
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
Well, i did one of the front struts on the 1999 Buick LeSabre today-the nut was recessed similar to what you guys are talking about. I tried to buy a special tool but the parts stores here were clueless. I finnally used a set of visegrips on the piston after the strut assy was out of the car, of course i did nt care if the old one got damaged. Used a thick piece of rubber in the jaws to hold the piston on the new strut while I tightenned the nut.
I agree, what a pain, and no reason to have a design like that!
Well my strut is fine... for now.
I'd rather not damage it.
I was wondering if I could cut the top part off that hides the nut since I THINK it's being replaced anyways....
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
There is a tool set for this. Look in your local auto parts store or do a search online - you will find it, it does exist.
The tool set includes a socket for the top nut (22 mm - I think) with a section up top that you can get a wrench around (1" - I think) and a set of sockets for the strut shaft. You just pick the right one for your strut. You can put a wrench on this socket.
So, in the end you have something that looks like this:
| | - small wrench graps here - goes to strut shaft
| |
| | | | - large wrench goes here - goes to top nut
| | | |
I always break the nut loose with the weight of the car on it. If you do that before you jack up the car it is cake.
Anyway, if you are planning on using 95-99 mounts you will need the spring seat, which is a dealer part and costs $4 per side. Just putting a 95-99 mount on will not work as the spring has no stable resting point.
-da chinchilla
<img src="http://registry.gmenthusiast.com/images/jiggamon/avatar15569_2.gif">
Tom, thanks for the tip, I'll look into that, I appreciate it!
Cavaweir, I learned in my last post I needed the spring seats.. I picked them up for $4 each + a few cents at a local dealership... I was surprised to see they're made of frickin plastic.... but yea, I got them, thanks bro.
Now I just gotta figure out how to assemble the new effing strut mounts.
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
Yeah, I know I told someone, but was not sure if it was you.
Good deal.
-da chinchilla
<img src="http://registry.gmenthusiast.com/images/jiggamon/avatar15569_2.gif">
Oh one more thing to sort out... I have the spring seats, the upper mount, a metal disc, a bearing disc, the nuts and bolt to bolt the mount to the strut tower, and I believe a little steel cup with a hole in the middle.
Where does all this crap go?
Will the 2000+ mounts be similar enough that I can figure it out?
Or, should I get some pics posted so you people can show me my butt from a hole in the ground?
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
You've got mail. I sent you a picture of how it goes together.
-da chinchilla
<img src="http://registry.gmenthusiast.com/images/jiggamon/avatar15569_2.gif">
Thanks Cavaweir...
That pic is EVERYTHING I needed man.
Now I just need my saturday off, and it'll be done finally....
I just need to know if I can use my dremel to cut the cup off the OLD MOUNT to easily access the 2 nuts on the center of the mount.
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
np...
-da chinchilla
<img src="http://registry.gmenthusiast.com/images/jiggamon/avatar15569_2.gif">
Where did everyone get their mounts at? I got my Monroe SensaTracks at Napa but they didn't have the right mount for my car? It is a 2000 Z24. So I just replaced the strut's but their is still a noise & I need to get the new mounts. I just didn't want to pay a fortune for them!
Thanks!!
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2000 Cavalier Z24 A4 Green Met.
Advance Auto
-da chinchilla
<img src="http://registry.gmenthusiast.com/images/jiggamon/avatar15569_2.gif">
Travis Lipe wrote:Where did everyone get their mounts at? I got my Monroe SensaTracks at Napa but they didn't have the right mount for my car? It is a 2000 Z24. So I just replaced the strut's but their is still a noise & I need to get the new mounts. I just didn't want to pay a fortune for them!
Thanks!!
I listened to these folks and bought what auto stores carry.
Mounts for a 95-99 Cavalier.
You WILL have to buy the SPRING SEATS from a dealership, I had to order mine (as JBO folks said) and it took like 2 days for them to come in.
I'll be doing this install tomorrow (saturday)
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
z24challenge wrote:Travis Lipe wrote:Where did everyone get their mounts at? I got my Monroe SensaTracks at Napa but they didn't have the right mount for my car? It is a 2000 Z24. So I just replaced the strut's but their is still a noise & I need to get the new mounts. I just didn't want to pay a fortune for them!
Thanks!!
I listened to these folks and bought what auto stores carry.
Mounts for a 95-99 Cavalier.
You WILL have to buy the SPRING SEATS from a dealership, I had to order mine (as JBO folks said) and it took like 2 days for them to come in.
I'll be doing this install tomorrow (saturday)
So I could get the mounts for a 95-99 & they will work? What exacually do I get from the dealership? What is it called?
Thanks!!
---------------------------------------------
2000 Cavalier Z24 A4 Green Met.
Travis Lipe wrote:z24challenge wrote:Travis Lipe wrote:Where did everyone get their mounts at? I got my Monroe SensaTracks at Napa but they didn't have the right mount for my car? It is a 2000 Z24. So I just replaced the strut's but their is still a noise & I need to get the new mounts. I just didn't want to pay a fortune for them!
Thanks!!
I listened to these folks and bought what auto stores carry.
Mounts for a 95-99 Cavalier.
You WILL have to buy the SPRING SEATS from a dealership, I had to order mine (as JBO folks said) and it took like 2 days for them to come in.
I'll be doing this install tomorrow (saturday)
So I could get the mounts for a 95-99 & they will work? What exacually do I get from the dealership? What is it called?
Thanks!!
All you need from the dealership are the SPRING SEATS for a 95-99 CAVALIER (I think the Sunfire uses the same ones)
If I remember correctly, they cost me like $4.13 each.
They should be around $4-$5 each.
Good luck with the project
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
2.4 CavaWeir (a.k.a. jiggamon) wrote:You've got mail. I sent you a picture of how it goes together.
I plan on installing my konis this weekend and plan on switching over to the pre 2000 mounts also. Could you please e-mail me a picture too. It would be very helpful.
wishihadanelky wrote:2.4 CavaWeir (a.k.a. jiggamon) wrote:You've got mail. I sent you a picture of how it goes together.
I plan on installing my konis this weekend and plan on switching over to the pre 2000 mounts also. Could you please e-mail me a picture too. It would be very helpful.
I forwarded the pic he sent me, it should help you a lot.
Good luck.
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
Thanks for forwarding that for me. I would have had to wait until tomorrow since the file is on my work computer.
-da chinchilla
<img src="http://registry.gmenthusiast.com/images/jiggamon/avatar15569_2.gif">
Ahh... thank you. I'm sure this will come in very handy.
