Replacing Stock Struts & Shocks with Koni's '05 Z51
02-05-2016, 02:56 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Replacing Stock Struts & Shocks with Koni's '05 Z51
So, after a year of tearing up the Houston (er...Mexico? haha) freeway/tollway system, I'm replacing the 10 year old stock struts and shocks with Koni's.
The frame is in excellent condition and has zero rust, but the strut stem and bolt for some reason were rusted and fused together. I soaked it in PB spray and left it to sit overnight. I need to know my options to get this SOB off:
I'll post pics when I get back home this evening. Any helpful comments are welcome.
The frame is in excellent condition and has zero rust, but the strut stem and bolt for some reason were rusted and fused together. I soaked it in PB spray and left it to sit overnight. I need to know my options to get this SOB off:
- What tools do I need to do this job? I have wrenches, a vice grip, electric impact drill, and spare parts.
- What will I need to do if I have to cut the damn thing off? How should I do this?
- Does anyone have experience with this problem on a C6? I've changed plenty of shocks and struts in my life, but I want to be extra careful with this one.
I'll post pics when I get back home this evening. Any helpful comments are welcome.
02-05-2016, 03:08 PM
#2
Team Owner
Member Since: Aug 2006
Posts: 22,983
Received 2,885 Likes
on
1,908 Posts
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
No struts on a C6.
I am on my 5th set of shocks on my 07. Just hand tools needed, no rust at all.
I am on my 5th set of shocks on my 07. Just hand tools needed, no rust at all.
02-05-2016, 03:49 PM
#4
Team Owner
Member Since: Aug 2006
Posts: 22,983
Received 2,885 Likes
on
1,908 Posts
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
02-05-2016, 04:00 PM
#5
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2005
Location: Northern, VA
Posts: 46,103
Received 2,481 Likes
on
1,944 Posts
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I haven't had to, but friends doing work on other cars where there is significant rusted parts, have had to wait even longer than one day or nite to get it off. PB is good stuff for soaking things IMO---my advice: use more PB and wait longer so nothing breaks off. Be patient or you'll be taking the whole suspension apart to take the shocks off. From what I've seen you have pretty good leverage.
02-05-2016, 04:07 PM
#6
Team Owner
Member Since: Aug 2006
Posts: 22,983
Received 2,885 Likes
on
1,908 Posts
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Also it helps to spray it with PB Blaster wait 3 hrs then hit the bolt with a hammer. This helps crack the rust. Then reapply the blaster.
02-05-2016, 06:48 PM
#7
Drifting
02-05-2016, 08:01 PM
#9
Drifting
Member Since: May 2013
Location: Mountain View California
Posts: 1,315
Received 154 Likes
on
112 Posts
Except you don't have to wait 3 hrs. 15 min. will do, the PB has a wicking feature. It simply wicks it self up the threads into the inside of the nut. Therefore no need to wait for 3hrs (it's not molasses). Very 
02-05-2016, 08:23 PM
#10
Le Mans Master
I find that an impact helps ALOT - Saves time and energy. I use a craftsman heavy duty electrical impact (i have a tight garage no room for tank) paid $150 last year from sears and works beautifully
FYI on sale right now!!.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-8-amp...p-00927990000P
FYI on sale right now!!.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-8-amp...p-00927990000P
Last edited by NiteriderFRC; 02-05-2016 at 08:24 PM.
02-05-2016, 08:39 PM
#11
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2000
Location: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
Posts: 23,935
Received 2,049 Likes
on
1,361 Posts
St. Jude Donor '13
OP-
You already have the new nuts/bolt/washers/whatever on hand to replace the rusted stuff, right?
You already have the new nuts/bolt/washers/whatever on hand to replace the rusted stuff, right?