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[caj.lindsay@gmail.com]

I tried to remove the front left shock (the entire unit, spring and all) from my Alfasud, but was unable to disconnect the steering arm from the shock.

After unscrewing the nut that holds the ball joint to the shock I was unable to push it out. It was just stuck.

Is there something I am missing?

[john 33_16v]

[BigAl]

The other easier way is ti undo the steering arm at the middle of the steering rack.
The other way is to turn the steering full lock and hit the strut with a hammer, very hard several times, where the track rod end goes in, you have to be accurate though leave the nut on incase you miss.
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[caj.lindsay@gmail.com]

Thankyou. These answers are very helpful.

Once I have separated the ball joint (using one of the given techniques) and removed the strut from the vehicle, the 'screw end' (i'm not really sure what it is called) of the ball joint is still in the strut. How should I remove this?

Is it OK to, say, place the strut in a vice and using a hit the screw with a rubber mallet until it slides out of the hole?

[john 33_16v not logged]

If you use a balljoint separater the track rod end will be clear of the strut.

Hitting the end with a rubber mallet probably wont budge it they need alot of force.

IMHO I think hitting the strut with a hammer might bend the steering arm/track rod, just buy borrow a ball joint splitter- it'll take 2 minutes with the correct tool.

John

[Admin]

Hi

Which nut have you undone? the one from the ball joint to the strut or the one from the ball joint to the steering arm? If the first then you need a ball joint splitter to get the ball joint off the strut. If the 2nd then you need to disconnect the ball joint from the strut so that you can unscrew the ball joint from the steering arm.

All the best

Keith
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[caj.lindsay@gmail.com]

Thanks for all of your help.

I purchased a balljoint splitter for $30 and it worked as described. Replaced the struts in no time.

Once again, Many Thanks.