does anyone know how you get nut off top of rear shock absorber stem in boot.it just keeps spinning when i try it with spanner.is there some kind of special tool to lock the shock absorber stem??? tried some pliers to grip it but it just looks like its mashing it up.any ideas??? stilo 1.9 jtd

There may be a hexagon Allen key hole in the top of the piston shaft.

there is on the front shocks under bonnet but not on the rear shocks.

According to the eLEARN manual, there should be a flat on the end of the piston shaft. Fiat list a special tool to hold it with, but I suspect something could be improvised.

If your shocks don't have the flat, it's likely that someone has fitted aftermarket ones, in which case, you'd have to try with mole grips.
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yeah they are the originals with the flat bit on. i was wondering if it really is a "special tool" elearn is talking about or just a normal everyday spanner or whatever .im sure like you said that something could be used to improvise.will try later on..thanks.

I used a regular spanner back then...

job done! used an adjustable spanner.was simple in the end...just took about an hour to get bottom bolt off.ceased up i think.went through bout half can of wd40...thanks for all the replies...new shocks on.