Cannot physically remove rear strut on 2005 AWD Vibe

[rgnjc]

I am having trouble getting the rear struts off my 2005 AWD Vibe. I got the 3 nuts up top off with ease. With a lot of effort I eventually got the bottom nut loose and bolt off (using combo of overnight penetrating lube, 25" breaker bar, and blow torch).

Now that the rear strut is free, I cannot slip it out! No matter how I twist and turn and pull on it I cannot slip it out. It either hits the sway bar or the something else on the suspension.

Would it help to compress the spring? Would it help to remove the sway bar brackets on both sides so it can wiggle out of the way and allow more room? I don't really want to mess with the sway bar links, the nuts on those are very corroded and will likely snap, though thats an easy fix if it gets the job done I suppose.

Thanks for advice!

[andrewclaus]

I remember the same problem on my '07. I had a helper pry down on the axle with a pry bar as I pulled the strut out.

[rgnjc]

Yes andrewclaus, that was the solution!

I should have read the repair manual first because it does describe for the AWD vibe the rear suspension arm assembly needs to be removed on one side so it can be pulled out of the way (see attached pic). The FWD vibe does not require this step, and this was not a step that was shown in any of the 4-5 rear strut repair videos I watched on youtube. Once the 3 bolts of the suspension arm were disconnected it is a very simple removal and reinstallation!

PS. I went with the Monroe quick struts from rockauto. Side by side comparisons with the originals looked nearly exact. The new ones are a tad longer than the originals, which I expected because the originals have 200k on them and the new ones aren't broken in yet. The bottom bolt of the strut needed to be turned after fitting the strut into place. I inserted a long socket extension into the bottom hole and turned it to get it oriented with the mounting bracket.