ABS reluctor ring change without removing strut bolts

[mdmuddin]

Hi,
When I changed the worn ring on the drivers side, it was very difficult to get the strut bolts off with the tools I had. If I had an impact gun or 6 point box end spanners 18mm and 21mm and an extra pair of hands, it might have been easier, but without it was a massive pain. Eventually, I resort to breaking one off.

I am wondering if there's any other way without removing the two bolts in question, before I go and buy a bunch of tools.

Thanks

[cheshired5]

You might be able to just remove the track rod end bolt at the hub and dislocate the track rod end. You'll then have more swing.
I've never tried it though because the strut bolt removal method is so easy.

My best advice is to treat yourself to some decent tools, a wire brush and some proper penetrating fluid and the strut bolts will be no big deal.
No need to remove both. Just the top one and loosen the bottom.
Take measurements also because you want the strut to be tightened exactly as it was and not lose camber settings.

[wise old monkey]

i used a 2ft breaker bar, one of these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Breaker-Po...oAAOSwJQdXAXZk

[mdmuddin]

To be honest, I ended up using 2 of them, one on each side, but that's what bent the bolt due to the force being one sided with a breaker bar.
This time I put plenty of liquid wrench and gave it hammer taps but still no easier.

[wise old monkey]

Why not nip to a garage get them to undo them for you. Then do them up again. That would help you out.
I would order some new bolts and nuts to replace what you have in there

[cheshired5]

Strut bolts were about £7 each from Volvo when I checked a couple of years ago.

[wise old monkey]

Originally Posted by cheshired5

Strut bolts were about £7 each from Volvo when I checked a couple of years ago.

i paid about that each for the carrier bolts on the calipers, needed all four as some one rounded them off

[oragex]

I reused the strut bolts a dozen of times. No need to replace if not damaged, but don't tighten them back like Hulk either.

This is my 2ft. friend coupled with either a 3/8" ratchet for bolts under 15mm or a 1/2" ratchet for bolts over 16mm

The bolts to replace with new every time is the axle end one, the two wishbone front ones, the wheel bearing ones, and the caliper bleeder ones (if originals), from my souvenirs. Caliper carrier ones too, but again, I've reused them a few times without issues. I just don't torque them back to the original torque, only perhaps 80% of it which is plenty enough.

[mdmuddin]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Where can you buy the caliper carrier bolts from (the two 15mm bolts that hold the carrier to the hub assembly? FRF couldn't find a part no for it on their system when I called them.

[MWMan]

I think item 13 is what you are looking for. Search Google for this part number [985454] and quite a few options come up.