Struts on a 82 Vette

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Apr 2, 2005 | 12:40 PM

rafto

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From: Osceola Mills Pa

Struts on a 82 Vette

Just finished up the wheel bearings. Some on forum suggested using dental floss on the springs in the parking brake. That is really a time saver. The struts are put in the bracked angled forward. Even with this they do not line up with the ears on the spindle support. They end out being toward the rear of the ears. Nowhere close to the center. When I took the bracket down originally there was pieces of the bushing on the support bracket. Apparently you really have to push them forward to get them inserted in the support spindle. Is this normal?

Apr 2, 2005 | 12:43 PM

Twin_Turbo

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You have them installed properly but you have to jack up the suspension to get them in.

Apr 2, 2005 | 12:48 PM

rafto

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From: Osceola Mills Pa

Struts on a 82 Vette

Thanks. Was wondering, since I found pieces of the old bushing on the support bracket...

Apr 3, 2005 | 01:26 AM

Desertdawg

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From: The Only Corvette in Gila Bend, Az.

St. Jude Donor '09

I agree with TT, it is almost impossible to do it on the ground....

Now, please share the dental floss trick, I must have missed it here somewhere...

Apr 3, 2005 | 01:53 AM

Twin_Turbo

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When installing the little springs that hold the parking brake shoes on with the little anchors that stick out through the backing plate it's pretty hard to get the spring to compress and turn it so it locks on the anchor. Now you can get the proper tool for about 5 bucks on ebay but you can also compress the sprin in a vise and then tie a piece of floss or a little string around the coils to keep them compressed. Then you slide the compressed spring over the anchor, turn it and the cut or burn the string and the spring is installed

Apr 3, 2005 | 03:21 AM

Desertdawg

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From: The Only Corvette in Gila Bend, Az.

St. Jude Donor '09

Cool, I'll have to try that next time...Thanks Marck

Apr 3, 2005 | 11:56 AM

rafto

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From: Osceola Mills Pa

Parking brakes

Original brake parts were rusted. Linings were cracked. Replaced everything and new bearings, u-joints. I'd still be on the brakes without the dental floss.

Apr 5, 2005 | 01:56 PM

rafto

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From: Osceola Mills Pa

82 Struts

Soaked in brake fluid for three days. Used impact wrench without any luck. Finally cut the bolts on the spring. Struts attach easily. Had to order some new bolts....