Yesterdeay's 'fun'

[WNYTractorTinkerer]

The DIL's van had a horrible sound sometimes when she turned and it bugged the heck outta her so I took a look at it last year because everyone she talked to had a different opinion on what it was.. It ranged from ball joints to C/V joints to the tranny to a bad wheel bearing or the apocalypse I swear!

She took me out for a ride an I listened to it and it definately sounded strut related so I nosed around a bit and found that these things are notorious for bad strut top bearings.. Upon closer inspection it was exactly what was wrong. Well, the thing just kept getting worse and the kids complained when she blasted the radio to drown out the sound so.... She got a couple bucks together (aka- tax time!) and got a new bearing so guess what- I got the job of replacing it!

So just a simple strut removal & R&R? Right?? Not such an easy task on a 2005 Chevy Uplander van! Seems that the strut tower is right below the windshield, behind the electrical distribution center / fusebox, windshield wiper frame & linkage..

Hey- I so love a challenge!!

Here's a picture of the top of the strut's lair:



Kinda hard for my fat hands to reach into!!

It took a while but I was able to get it out without removing the WW frame!! Once that task was achieved I got the bottom out and off to the strut compressor and I replaced a very siezed top bearing and reassembled the thing and reinstalled it:





Now I can get back to my lawn mower rebuild!

[BOSOX]

You know how to have fun WNTT, glad you got it straightened out for the DIL. I'm sure you saved her a few bucks.....

[Vonrow]

now ya know how the other side goes....when it's time to do that one. heh

[Ingersoll444]

does the cowel come off on those?? I know the fords I have worked on, have a removelable wiper cowel, and makes working on that stuff a LOT easer!

[WNYTractorTinkerer]

Originally Posted by Ingersoll444

does the cowel come off on those?? I know the fords I have worked on, have a removelable wiper cowel, and makes working on that stuff a LOT easer!

Nope!! Just sheet metal.. The wiper motor drive & arm frame is right there.. I could have remoed all that for better access.. But no thanks!

Now I hear the thing needs a new wheel hub/bearing.. Guess what's coming back to the shop??