Front Strut Procedure for 1996 Grand Prix?

[NinetyQ]

I've looked through the forum and can't seem to find a procedure or how-to for replacing the front strut cartridges on my '96 Grand Prix SE coupe. I bought the KYB Excel-Gs and rented the special tool kit from Autozone, but I'm embarrassed to say I can't figure out how to use it. There is a torx bit in it that fits in the torx fitting on the top nut, and another piece that goes over the top nut with a flange with a torx-shaped hole in it (much bigger than the torx bit). There are also some threaded pieces and a bar that is solid on one end and threaded on the other.

 

The struts themselves came with practically useless picture instructions and nobody seems to have a how-to for this. Can someone point me in the right direction or describe the process to me? Thanks!

[white96supreme]

First off, welcome aboard!!! I did the front struts on my 96 CS and also rented the tool from twilight zone. Make sure the vehicle is still on the ground before doing anything with removal/installation so the coil spring stays compressed using the vehicles weight. The torx bit is used to hold the strut shaft while the 24mm offset socket removes the retaining nut. The "torx-shaped" hole is where you put a ratchet or breaker bar to loosen the nut. I found that using an offset boxed end wrench worked better for me than using the supplied socket. The cartridge is held in with a threaded collar that has 4 holes for removal with the supplied tool in the kit. Follow the oil recommendation that came with your new strut cartridges. Just reverse the removal process and be sure to do one side at a time. Another thing, make sure all of the hardware is in the strut boxes before tearing anything apart, I learned the hard way. Got done with the first side and moved over to the other just to find out that the new strut was missing all of the hardware. Had to drive 15 miles to another twilight zone to exchange it.

[NinetyQ]

So I'll need to use an extension on the torx bit to hold that in place through the supplied socket while I turn the nut, right? Hmm... I'm going to go outside and take a look now and see if I understand better. I'll post back with questions. Might not even have an extension right now.