Where is a good source to get one of those fancy strut-nut tools? I need to change the strut mounts on my girlfriend's '89 and need one of those tools...but I can't seem to find one at any of the auto parts stores around here. Thanks to anyone in advance!
nate gundy

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1874408503

You must compress the strut spring with the proper tool-email this guy and ask questions.

Call IPD they have one for $18.00..Have you changed struts before?
--
john,,1985, 245:GLTi 246k mi..so.california

on a 240? I haven't changed them yet...I've changed them on a friend's '86 Mazda 626...way easier...but I've definitely read enough on the 'board over the years to figure it out. thanks
nate gundy

You probably already know this, but this job requires spring compressors. Unless, you want to get slugged in the face with a chunk of steel. Never know what people are into these days. Could be anything.
-JSBB
--
'Those who are willing to give up freedom for a little safety deserve neither freedom nor safety.'

well, as much fun as flying steel at your face can be....I think I'll go with the preservation of my face...at least this time..thanks for the tip anyways, I guess it never hurts to tell people things, even if you think they know already...because just one time of failure can be not so good...lots of dumb people around...thanks
nate gundy

Yeah, I didn't mean to suggest you were common sense challenged. Just doesn't hurt to add that to any thread like this. -JSBB
--
"Those who are willing to give up freedom for a little safety deserve neither freedom nor safety."

no offense taken...isn't that the problem with internet/typing sometimes? you don't mean to be sarcastic, but it comes across as being so...anyways, no worries, and honest thanks to your help!
nate

I agree. That's why I use the smileys even though I think they're kinda dumb.
-JSBB
--
"Those who are willing to give up freedom for a little safety deserve neither freedom nor safety."

Ung:

Don't know about the special tool, but a deep offset 24mm box end wrench will work on the strut nut, and you can hold the end of the strut's threaded rod with a Vise-Grip, Channel-Lok, crescent wrench or open end wrench, or what-have-you.

Stahlville tools (www.stahlville.com) sells a deep offset 19 X 24mm box end wrench (their part number 20-19X24) for $20; check the "closeout" section on their website (they even indicate it's a special Volvo tool). I have used this tool for the top strut nut with success, holding the threaded rod with a big crescent wrench.
--
Mike W., '79 242GT (my project car), '85 245DL (son's project car), '87 245 DL (my daily driver), '90 244DL (son-in-law's daily driver), '91 744T (wife's daily driver), '94 944T (daughter's daily driver), Largo, FL

IPD? I've seen what I think you're talking about in one of their mailings. Unfortunately I can't find it or find such a tool on their web site. Might be worth a shot to call em (or find an impact wrench).

- alex

'85 244 Turbo | ~145k miles