Newbie Posted May 15, 2021 Report Share Posted May 15, 2021 I have unbolted the driver side rear strut both from the body and the rear suspension but cannot seem to make enough room to take it out. Any suggestions you have are greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John/Horace Posted May 15, 2021 Report Share Posted May 15, 2021 I’ve never removed a rear strut on a Journey. But I have removed them on numerous other vehicles. It should just pivot down with the lower lateral links. Are you sure you have all the fasteners from the upper strut mount removed? Quite a bit of rear interior panels need to be removed to access the two fasteners (usually on most struts) on the top of the mount. The mount can be a little rusted in sometimes, may need to pry a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newbie Posted May 15, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2021 The two upper nuts holding the upper strut assembly and the one lower bolt and nut for the lower strut assembly have been removed. It is loose and comes down to a point then the top of the strut itself gets caught on the body of the vehicle and won’t allow removal. The upper mount is loose and hanging down. The inside trim has all been removed to gain proper access to the bolts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John/Horace Posted May 15, 2021 Report Share Posted May 15, 2021 (edited) Sometimes compressing strut slightly can allow pivoting strut loose. The rear lower lateral arm connection at wheel hub spindle could be unbolted for more travel, I think. Lots of PB Blaster or penetrating oil to free up rust. Edited May 15, 2021 by John/Horace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newbie Posted May 15, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2021 Will unbolting the rear lower lateral arm at the hub affect the alignment? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John/Horace Posted May 15, 2021 Report Share Posted May 15, 2021 When there is a camber bolt mount it changes alignment, so people paint mark fastner and try to assemble to same spot. So in this case you should be okay. Mechanics will say you should always do an alignment after any suspension work, regardless. The front struts have camber adjustment alignment bolts like in pic. Rear don’t, as you can see with the removed bolts you have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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