2002 Q45 Front Strut Replacement....help!!!

[1st_Infiniti]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum and I've recently purchased a 2002 Q45 with 110,000 miles on it. The front struts requires replacement. I've removed every part of the brake but can't seem to remove the steering tie rod and the suspension arm from the strut. I tried hammering the bolt downward but without success. Has anyone replaced their struts and what is the proper way to have those two items release the strut? Any help will be highly appreciated. I have the repair manual from this forum but I still have problems removing the strut. I am pulling my hair out from frustration . Thank you all in advance. Here is the link to some photos I've taken:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1037350769 ... l6nOxMufFw


David

My previous rides:
1969 Nissan Datsun B210 A/T
1984 Toyota Celica GT-S M/T
1986 Mazda B2000 M/T
1989 Toyota Supra A/T
2002 Acura TL-Type S w/Nav A/T
2004 BMW Z4 3.0i M/T
2002 Infiniti Q45 Sports A/T

[Lokim]

You'll need one of these: http://www.google.com/products/catalog? ... CC8Q8wIwAA

And one of these: http://www.amazon.com/OTC-6297-Ball-Joi ... B0015PN010

You can probably rent both from your local auto parts store. Get them on the car and tighten until the shaft pops out, you may need to whack the knuckle a few times once you have pressure from the pullers. (Only do one joint at a time...)

[1st_Infiniti]

Thank you! I was able to separate the tie rod using a tie rod separator and also able to separate the ball joint with the ball joint separator. But be sure to use a separator that won't damage the rubber greased boot, it's irreplaceable unless you buy the entire control arm assembly from the dealer.

[Lokim]

Glad to help, and welcome to NICO, btw...