So I'm replacing the rear struts and I need some advice on how to get the strut out without moving the brake line too much. It looks like I have to push the strut to the rear to clear it from the knuckle and then to the right so the brake line (part of it is metal) slips out the slot which holds it. I'm afraid of bending/breaking the line. Is it better to just disconnect the brake line? Thanks.

 

I remember your screen name but I don't remember which car you are working on. Please, create a signature that includes the car's information.

Even if I knew exactly which car you have I still would have trouble to give yo a definite answer. However: things look different when you have the car jacked up and the hub assembly disconnected from the strut. The hub assembly will drop quite a bit and give you more clearance than it appears now.

 

1993 Mazda 626DX

Thank you. Right - once the bolts connecting strut to knuckle are removed, they move apart a bit but that's part of the problem since the rigid metal brake line is between the knuckle/hub and the strut. It seems if I move the strut backward to disconnect from the hub it will put too much tension on that brake line. I'm going out to have another go at it.

UPDATE: I got it out without disconnecting the hose. Just needed a little more finagling. Thanks.

 

The way I recall it from protege, the brakeline is following the control arms. After disconnecting the strut from the knuckle you should have enough clearence above the brake line to get it out.
You can also try this: after braking the strut loose from the knuckle, leave it in the knuckle. Then remove the mounting bolts on the tower. Now you can lift the strut up and angle it in many ways to extract it. you can also use the spring compressor to shorten the strut.

 

But thank you. Those are good points to remember.