front strut installation --87 W124

[joel price]

I have not found this info in the archives. Does it require removal of the ABS lines from the spindle to install front struts on my 87 300D? If so how do they disconnect?
thanks
Joel

[engatwork]

Not sure if they need to be removed to perform the job you are discussing but I would remove them if I were removing the spindle. Anyway, look real close at them. If I remember correctly you should see a small fastener that holds it into place. Remove that fastener and it should pull straight out.

[Duke2.6]

The strut is secured with only three fasteners.

1. PLACE THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS ON JACKSTANDS SO THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR KEEPS THE SPRINGS COMPRESSED!!!

2. Remove the two nuts and bolts that tie the strut to the steering knuckle, then the nut that secures the strut shaft to the strut tower. The shaft must be held with either a metric hex or torx (could be either) to loosen the top nut. A plastic retainer on the strut secures the brake pad sensor wire. Secure the knuckle with a wire or light rope so it does not place stress on the brake line. Neither the brake line nor sensor wire need to be disturbed other than popping them out of the plastic retainer on the strut.

3. Once the strut is removed I recommend removing the top strut mount and carefully inspecting it. Replace if it's cracked. Also inspect the strut dust boots and replace them if they are torn.

Duke

[psfred]

I'd to a bit further than Duke -- if you need to replace the strut, there is very little chance that the mount is still intact, so buy a pair ahead of time. Ditto for the boot, it won't survive being removed and installed (one of mine wouldn't stay up, and is not shredded by rubbing on the tire). They aren't expensive, and the handling will the MUCH better with new mounts. Have a care to install in the same location, but you will probably still need an alignment after installing new mounts -- the olds ones have moved off center by now.

Peter