more problems!

[ben_cb7]

ok so my buddy just got a new cb7 and is having a few issues.

1. Its an automatic and when he puts it in D4 the light flashes. Also the check engine light is on.

2. We tried to replace the strut. The problem is the top part was rusted out and the allen head stripped out so we don't know how to get it off.

3. Car shakes slightly at idle up to about 25 mph. I bet its the motor mount.

THANKS

[deevergote]

The D4 light indicates a transmission computer error code.
The check engine light indicates an engine computer error code.

What top part are you referring to? The strut tophat? Or the actual sheet metal on the car that the strut mounts to? If it's the sheet metal, then you'll need a professional repair job to make that safe... if it'll ever be safe again. If it's the top hat, I would suggest replacing it. Vise grips can be used to get everything apart if the allen key won't work. That, or hammer a slightly larger allen key in there. OR, file down the sides to make a flat area to hold (vise grips would do the trick).

The shaking on idle is very likely a bad motor mount... or multiple bad mounts. It's not necessarily the only problem, but it's the first thing I'd look at.

[ben_cb7]

The D4 light indicates a transmission computer error code.
The check engine light indicates an engine computer error code.

What top part are you referring to? The strut tophat? Or the actual sheet metal on the car that the strut mounts to? If it's the sheet metal, then you'll need a professional repair job to make that safe... if it'll ever be safe again. If it's the top hat, I would suggest replacing it. Vise grips can be used to get everything apart if the allen key won't work. That, or hammer a slightly larger allen key in there. OR, file down the sides to make a flat area to hold (vise grips would do the trick).

The shaking on idle is very likely a bad motor mount... or multiple bad mounts. It's not necessarily the only problem, but it's the first thing I'd look at.

gracias on the code thing. i figured thats what it was but havent come across that problem (prolly cause i have a manual lol).

As for the top, i should have specified. its on the top of the strut itself not the mount on the car. i would use a vise grip but i think that would ruin the threads to getting the nut off wouldnt it?

[deevergote]

Try down low, between the spring coils. The shock is junk, right?

[brooklynkid1986]

Try down low, between the spring coils. The shock is junk, right?

X2. When i did mine the top was rusted pretty bad. If you clamp your vise grip onto the piston below, it works wonders.

[ben_cb7]

curious. if i use a vise between the coils.....does that render the strut bad? i am assuming yes

[deevergote]

Yes, if you score the piston, it's ruined. If you're replacing it because it's already bad, then that shouldn't be a problem. If you plan on re-using it for some reason, then you should find another way.

[H23CB7]

I had this problem on my civic. I was putting coil overs on the stock struts and the nuts were frozen on. I used vice grips on the piston between the coils but since i was reusing the strut i put a rag between the grips and the strut and gripped tightly. Didn't score the piston at all. But if you do this idea i recommend caution and don't take responsibility. Good luck