upper strut nut question...

[Larry" <rocco16v@netzero.com (Larry)]

offset ring spanner = box-end wrench, I believe.  (for you non-Brits)
go easy on the chisel
should work out
Larry
----- Original Message -----
From: Ewan Hopkins <ewanhopkins@hotmail.com>
To: <rapieper@yahoo.com>; <jnbjones@boulder.net>; <scirocco-l@scirocco.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 28, 2002 2:18 AM
Subject: Re: upper strut nut question...


> IME, as long as you remember to loosen the top nut before you remove the
> strut from the car, it's a piece of cake. I have done it many times using
an
> offset ring spanner and an allen key with a piece of pipe for extra
leverage
> - worked every time. A few taps on the nut with a hammer & chisel will
help
> to loosen the thread.  If you undo the nut most of the way up the shaft
> before removing the strut then it generally makes life easier. As for
> removing the shock from the strut, gentle bashing with a hammer on the
side
> and top of the cap will also help to loosen the thread. Not too hard on
the
> sides mind you - going hell for leather with a 2lb mash hammer might just
> distort it a bit!
>
> HTH,
>
> Ewan Hopkins
> '85 Storm 2.0
> '86 GT 1.8
> '87 GT 1.6
>
> >From: Ron Pieper <rapieper@yahoo.com>
> >To: Jason Jones <jnbjones@boulder.net>, scirocco-l@scirocco.org
> >Subject: Re: upper strut nut question...
> >Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 13:13:27 -0800 (PST)
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> >
> >--- Jason Jones <jnbjones@boulder.net> wrote:
> > > I am about to undertake my first strut replacement and am worried
> > > about
> > > being able to remove these nuts.  Is it impossible to do without an
> > > impact wrench?
> >
> >No, but it's far easier with one.
> >
> > >Also, I was thinking it would be safer/easier to get
> > > leverage if I were to use the spring compressor with the strut still
> > > on
> > > the car and then once the nut is loosened remove the strut and
> > > proceed.
> > > Any issues with this?
> >
> >Hmmm...tight fit...too tight...BTDT.
> >
> >Here's what I've done in the absence of having the "right" tool.  I
> >found the right sized socket, and ground a few flats into the sides, so
> >a Kentucky Fit-All (or vice-grips) would fit.  Through the square hole,
> >I put the allen wrench, with a pipe or something to gain the required
> >torque.  Just loosen it a bit.
> >
> >Or, preferably, get the right tool.
> >
> >Then remove the strut, install compressors, and go to town.  YOu can
> >grab the shaft if you have to, since it's scrap anyway.  Trust me
> >though, that steel is sooo hard that not many hand tools will touch it,
> >so success has limited potential.
> >
> >AFA getting the nut that holds the shock off (you didn't ask, but...) ,
> >put the strut (sans spring) back onto the hub carrier, and let the car
> >help you out.  Put large channellocks on the nut.  Put a loong (3' or
> >4') cheater bar on the outside (longer) handle of the channellocks, and
> >gronk away.  It *will* loosen.  Remember, heat is your friend.
> >
> > > Also, would a shop be
> > > inclined to swap the cartridges for me even if I didn't purchase them
> > > from them and if so, what would be an appropriate charge?
> >
> >That all depends on the shop!  Try an automotive machine shop that
> >doesn't sell so much.  Figure 1 hour's work...what, $40, $50?
> >
> >=====
> >Cheapass Ron
> >"Victor" '87 16V Scirocco
> >"Teufelhasen" '93 Cabby <-For sale
> >
> >If it ain't foggy, TURN OFF YOUR FOG LIGHTS.
> >
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