tosaman
LVC Member
I have new front airbag struts to install on my '05 Navigator. Noticed that my socket set was not big enough to handle the lower strut bolt and nut. Anyone know what size socket and box-end wrench that bolt/nut takes? Thanks.
Front Airbag Strut Bolt Size
- Thread starter tosaman
- Start date
I think the bolt/nut is an M20
This video might be helpful
[video=youtube;xF6F-rvFpEY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF6F-rvFpEY[/video]
This video might be helpful
[video=youtube;xF6F-rvFpEY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF6F-rvFpEY[/video]
tosaman
LVC Member
Thanks for the quick reply. I think I can use a large crescent wrench to hold the bolt head, but will need to get the larger socket for the nut.
Thanks also for the video. I've watched the separate video from Strutmasters several times, but they never mention the size of tools or hardware involved. I think I like their removal process a little better as they only undo the tie rod end, which eliminates the need to jack up the lower arm as described in the other video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2-CgocLafE
I didn't want to go with coil replacements as my wife really likes our "air ride" that will not be there with coils. Found rebuilt front struts with new air bladders online for only $600 for the pair with free shipping - I have over 150,000 miles on the Navigator, and they should do the trick for the rest of the vehicle's life.
Thanks again for the reply.
Thanks also for the video. I've watched the separate video from Strutmasters several times, but they never mention the size of tools or hardware involved. I think I like their removal process a little better as they only undo the tie rod end, which eliminates the need to jack up the lower arm as described in the other video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2-CgocLafE
I didn't want to go with coil replacements as my wife really likes our "air ride" that will not be there with coils. Found rebuilt front struts with new air bladders online for only $600 for the pair with free shipping - I have over 150,000 miles on the Navigator, and they should do the trick for the rest of the vehicle's life.
Thanks again for the reply.
tosaman
LVC Member
Just a further follow-up...
I found that the lower strut nut actually requires a deep 30M socket, given the length of the bolt through the tightened nut. The nut on the tie-rod end requires a deep 20M socket -- deep for the same reason. You might get by with 1-13/16" and a 13/16" SAE sockets, as they are very close. But I'm sticking with the metric just to be sure. The two deep sockets shouldn't cost much more that $15 together -- not much to pay to have the right tool.
I found that the lower strut nut actually requires a deep 30M socket, given the length of the bolt through the tightened nut. The nut on the tie-rod end requires a deep 20M socket -- deep for the same reason. You might get by with 1-13/16" and a 13/16" SAE sockets, as they are very close. But I'm sticking with the metric just to be sure. The two deep sockets shouldn't cost much more that $15 together -- not much to pay to have the right tool.