1996 Dodge Caravan Replacing Strut Assy and stripped the To

JASONY

MEMBER
1996 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
208,000 MILES

Hello,

I thought I'd save a few bucks and replace the entire strut ass'y for both front wheels myself. Done this multiple times for 1995 Dodge Caravan but the configuration was a bit different.

I ran into a problem on the driver's side when trying to detach the sway bar from the strut. I stripped the torx head. I've never tried to loosen a torx head before but my son was holding a wrench on the nut part so it wouldn't turn, and I proceeded to turn "left". It turned a bit then became difficult. So I turned "right". Same thing, until it stripped.

Can this be drilled out, and if so, is it something I could do? Also, I really want to see this project through myself but as you can tell I'm not a mechanic - just someone whose learning as he goes. What advise do you have for me on the passenger's side?

Thanks for your help.

Jason

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,883 POSTS

Sorry to hear about the bad luck with the stripped nut/bolt if you can not loosen it the only fix is to cut it off, you can use a torch or a cutoff tool. There is no easy fix for this problem. On the other side use quality tools to hold the nut securely and make sure the tool is positioned properly.