Hello,

So it seems this is a very common issue with the stratus. We have an 02 that the driver rear strut mount has broken/deteriorated. I feel the big challenge will be getting the spring out since it is no longer being held by anything. I've read about people using spring compressors. Any success stories with this? Trying to figure out if this is a task I will have time to take care of.

Regards,

Issakar

 

Yeah, you can rent a Spring compressor from part store and use it. But MAKE sure you read the instruction on how to properly use a spring compressor, these spring stores enough force to crack a skull if it flys off.

 

Got started on this. got the spring/strut out. the mount is completely disintegrated. I'm replacing it with a quick strut for the sake of time/safety.

Or that was the plan. I can't get the 2 mounting studs out because the bolts are rusted and the studs arent attached to anything. I tried torching, pb blaster, etc etc and it wont budge. So tomorrow I am going to get a nut splitter and just crack them off. Just a little irritated that I couldnt finish tonight because the owner of the car (aka girlfriend) now has to rent a vehicle for work. Lame.

Anyway I'll keep everyone posted on whats going on. I have a few photos I snapped that I will upload at some point.

Cheers,
Issakar

 

So I got the 2 studs out with the nut splitter. My issue is the replacement strut does not seem to have proper clearance to the knuckle. by pressing down in the knuckle I was able to slide it on with help. but there is now 0 play in the knuckle and I cannot get the lower bolt through the strut and knuckle. Not sure what I need to do here. any advice?

 

I stated this in another thread I had going as well but I want to keep things updated for anyone who comes across this looking for help.

In the end i reused the old strut with the replacement mount. I had originally planned on using the quick strut for "ease of work" and that was not the case. The quick strut was about a 1/4 of an inch too long to go in nicely. When I did get it in I couldn't get the pinch bolt thru the bottom because the hole on the knuckle and the clevis would not line up and there was no moving the knuckle around.

I can only assume to use a quick strut assembly the lateral links would need to be adjusted longer to allow the strut to fit in properly. I'm not 100% on that but looking at the layout it seems possible/likely solution.

Glad to have the car up and running again. takes a lot of stress off.

 

Okay. I've got the same prob. Is a spring compressor neccessary? Would like to know before removing bolt from bottom of strut (top is off already).

 

yes if mount is broken/deteriorated where strut bolt goes thru you do need a clamp on spring compressor to take strut off car

 

Thanks anyway...........
Piece of wood and a second car jack worked just fine.