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Step 1
Remove the strut from the vehicle. You will need to secure the vehicle on jack stands and remove the wheel from the side where you are trying to access the strut. The strut will sit behind the braking system. You may need to remove the parking brake cable and swing the brake caliper out of the way first.
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Step 2
Spray the upper strut mount nut with a penetrating oil, like WD-40 or Liquid Wrench, to eat away the rust and corrosion, allowing you to break the nut loose a little easier. Allow the penetrating oil to sit for five minutes and, if you have trouble during Step 3, come back to Step 2 and repeat.
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Step 3
Secure the strut in a vice. Since the nut will be difficult to break loose, you should have a source of leverage and the vice provides this. Use a ratchet with the appropriate-sized socket and break loose the nut. This is a large nut; it may also be a locking nut that may be a little more difficult to take out.
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Step 4
Allow the nut to stay in the socket or put in a safe place. This nut often does not come with the new strut mounts, so you will need it for the reassembly process. You may want to let it soak in penetrating oil to get off the excessive corrosion, so you can check it for cracks or other damage.
