How do I remove this part

[nel606]

Hello Everyone,

This post is a continuation of a previous question regarding a broken front strut. With help of the forum, it's clear I need to replace the strut. I've managed to track down a Ford shop manual showing me how to do the job, but they love to use the phrase "remove part...." Well I have no idea how to remove the part. I've attached a photo with an arrow pointing to the part I'd like to remove. It looks like it may un-screw, but the connector and wires appear to be in the way. If anyone has experience removing one, would you please give me some advice.

Thank you!

 

[MooJohn]

Does that rubber (?) piece at the arrow snap off away from the metal part? It looks like it may be covering a fastener. Total guess on my part though.

 

[bradyelich]

It looks to me that you unplug the wire at the actuator or further up the wire and the shock control actuator should be on your new part and you just plug it back in. The service manual does mention if the actuator is damaged you replace the strut/shock.

 

[nel606]

Do Not Remove

It looks to me that you unplug the wire at the actuator or further up the wire and the shock control actuator should be on your new part and you just plug it back in. The service manual does mention if the actuator is damaged you replace the strut/shock.

Thank you! I looked at the part very closely and it says clearly "do not remove"

Going on your advice, I started following the wire that came off the strut and found a connector about 6 inches away. After a few tie-downs it was free.

Now, I am stuck, or I should say the strut is stuck. The strut moves pretty freely in the shock pinch point, but when I try to lower the thing the strut sits in, it slides right back up the strut. I hope that makes sense. I've separated the lower ball joint, and to me it seems that assembly needs to move down further for me to get the strut out. Any ideas

 

[bradyelich]

Did you undo the axle nut and free the hub from the axle? dont let the axle over extend - tie it up with wire.

 

[nel606]

Another great idea, but, No, I did not try that, With some help I was able to get the ball joint bolt out from the hub and things came apart nicely. The trouble is, the ball joint boot is destroyed. Luckily, the car I've been working on is a donor car so it doesn't really matter, but your idea will come in very handy when I go to install the strut in my good car. Do you think I could leave the ball joint connected if I slip the hub from the axle a little bit? Otherwise, do you know of a technique for separating the ball joint without destroying the boot? I used a pickle fork to separate it on the donor car, and it wasn't pretty.

 

[bradyelich]

I use a hammer to separate the tie rod end and the ball joint. 3 good whacks on the flat spot on the steering knuckle in the respective spots will separate and not wreck the boots. I think I do the tie rod end and leave the ball joint. That allows the knuckle to swing out of the way. I will be changing my ball joints soon on my car.