Changing the strut mounts and strut inserts, God help me!

After gathering together all the parts and tools, I still cannot complete this job.
The top strut retainer bolt will not budge. The insert collar nut will not budge. I have sprayed PB penetrating catalyst numerous times on these areas, and no loosening. I tried compressing the spring and not compressing it. No luck. I have been advised from other Volvo 240 owners to take it to a shop that will use an air wrench to loosen the top nuts at least. The strut cartridge retaining nut may take a vise and hammer, as it is a bit rusty. It was a Kentucky car. The car drives well enough over the bumps. The struts are worn out, however. It is more a safety issue to me. I want better control and braking.

Brickboard Strut replacement posts
Brickboard Strut replacement posts2
Brickboard Strut replacement posts3
Brickboard Strut replacement posts4

The two independent shops nearby want between $600 – $900 (w/parts) to change out the strut mounts and insert cartridges.

Now I know why!

Brandon

NEW UPDATE: May 17 – I overlooked a simple step in the strut removal process. To allow the top strut retaining nut (the 15/16″ nut) to be removed, simply remove the 3 top mount nuts, lower the entire assembly down from under the fender, compress the spring, and

NOW

the top nut comes off using my two piece tool set. I’m so relieved! I’m saving the Big Bucks!
NEW UPDATE: May 22 – Finished installing the struts and mounts. Rides like a new car again! It took me about 8 hrs to complete this job, today. That’s counting breakfast and lunch breaks and driving over to Discount Tire up the street here in Franklin. Kevin at Discount Tire gave excellent service today. He met my unique challenge, quickly, professionally, and friendly. I needed the top strut nuts loosened just a bit so that I could remove the strut mounts from the assemblies. Took about 5 mins with Kevin using the Air impact wrench. No charge at all but to refer some business his way. I have bought a few sets of tires from them and will continue to do so. I just drove home and started on the job. Saved me a ton of money! Here are some photos from the procedure.

Finished the Strut job today!

First steps to becoming a pilot.

After deciding you want to fly either as part of a profession or personal recreation, next choose a flight school. Plan out your schedules, have your finances ready, prepare mentally and physically, and go to it. Here is what you will usually discover as a first step in your journey.

Training Information
Student Pilot Requirements
Easy! There are no requirements to start taking lessons. Half way through your training, when you’re ready to fly the airplane by yourself for the first time, known as “solo,” you do need to be 16 years old and pass a 3rd Class medical exam by an FAA designated physician or AME, which also serves as a student license. You can find a list of local AME’s here. If you have questions about whether specific medical issues might prevent you from qualifying for a medical, you can check the FAA’s Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners, or join AOPA and call their technical staff.
You will also need to get the necessary flight and ground training and pass a pre-solo knowledge exam prepared by your instructor. When your instructor feels you’re ready to solo, he or she will endorse your logbook and student certificate. Then you can fly by yourself in the local area, though you won’t be able to carry passengers until you finish your private license,
Private Pilot Requirements
You must be 17 years old and be able to read, write, and speak English fluently. You’ll need a minimum of 40 hours of flight training, though the average time in the U.S. is around 60-70 hours. If you fly less than once a week, it may take longer. Conversely, if you fly twice a week, it will probably take fewer total hours to get your license. This training must include a minimum of:
20 hours of dual instruction including:
3 hours of cross-country to airports more than 50 miles away
3 hours of instruments
3 hours of night including a 100 nautical mile round trip and 10 night takeoffs and landings
3 hours of instruction within 60 days prior to your practical test
10 hours of solo flight including:
5 hours of cross-country including a 150 nautical mile round trip
3 takeoffs and landing at an airfield with a control tower
You must pass the private pilot knowledge test with a score of 70% or better. The test is 60 multiple choice questions from the FAA’s databank of about 700 questions. You can prepare for it in many ways, including home study with books or DVDs or with a classroom ground school taught at a local college or flying school.
The final step is the practical flight test with an FAA-designated examiner. Nationwide, the pass rate is about 90% for students on their first try! The exam contents is defined by the FAA’s Practical Test Standard (PTS), and it includes both an oral exam and a flight test.