Technical Replace front shock absorbers

[atom0007]

Driver's side leaking oil, time for a replacement.

Had a quick go at the nuts connecting the strut to the swivel hub. Usual story - lump of rust with nothing to grip.

Best just to cut my losses and split them immediately? Looks like they were nyloc, slightly recessed in the bracket to make it even harder to grip.

I've been told conflicting things about replacing both sides at the same time. Any advice?

I replaced one of the rear shocks itself, it's been fine since.

 

[s and b]

mk2?
nuts go smaller with age and rust
pain to do
my local fiat dealer holds nothing in stock so getting new bolts is a non starter
i saw some new sockets from snap-on that grip these a little like wheel locking socket bolt removers but not as rough but only availabe in 3/8ths drive so no good really
cant beat oxy in these situations
make sure you see how top plate with the nick in it points to the wing on replacement or it causes all sorts of problems

 

[atom0007]

mk2.
I know the nut grippers you're talking about, Irwin do them too, but only in 3/8 (madness).
I'm rapidly going off this as a DIY job, sounds like those 2 nuts alone are going to cause me no end of pain

 

[s and b]

order the new nuts and bolts off fiat, cant be dear? then shear the buggers and knock them out
simple
i collect a few when i go scrappie hunting

 

[dave]

try turning the bolt end first it often frees the nut up a little. often the bolt is rusted in too though, i find it easier to just remove strut an hub grind both ends off bash rest of bolt out with a punch, i always order new bolts and nuts before i start if i have none in the shed.
you using 6 sided socket?
replace shocks as pairs if buying brand new

 

[fingers99]

Do both sides. Will Mr.Noisy fit in there? (mask off screen and paintwork!

 

[dave]

oh yeah also put copper grease on new bolts when fitting

 

[s and b]

try turning the bolt end first it often frees the nut up a little. often the bolt is rusted in too though, i find it easier to just remove strut an hub grind both ends off bash rest of bolt out with a punch, i always order new bolts and nuts before i start if i have none in the shed.
you using 6 sided socket?
replace shocks as pairs if buying brand new

bolts have splines on them

 

[dave]

them splines dont seem to do any thing though

 

[atom0007]

using 12 side socket - it's what I've got, I know six would be better for this sort of job.

And copper grease, don't get me started. I basically cover everything (within reason) with grease. Why oh why (cost) isn't it done from new? Or use stainless where it is non structural (cost). It drives me bananas....

Sounding like a weekend job now!

 

[s and b]

them splines dont seem to do any thing though

they would shear the bolt though
and as i suggested fiat keep nowt in stock so owner could be stuck as dealer orders up common problem bits

 

[dave]

ive never had a bolt snap, had plenty seized in though, but bolts normally come off ok with a decent socket

edit you sure its mk2 and not mk1 or mk2b that have them little splines on, i just been out to the shed to find some to make a little video to show they don't grip on the insides and none of the ones i have have got splines on, they all came off mk2s

 

[DaveMcT]

12 point sockets are likely to cause more trouble than they solve. Get a set of 6 points ideally impact quality and a decent breaker bar so you can really heave and hit them. Tighten the nut first then go for loosening.

Wall drive are THE best, but costly. I've always found plain vanilla 6 point impacts will do these sorts of jobs

 

[atom0007]

Wishing a bit that I had bought 6 points in the first place. Ah well.
I've got a 2ft breaker bar and I'm going to use it.
Think I'll get six point impact set, and a spare set of strut bolts, and give it a go. Why not, worst that could happen is it takes all weekend and I get nowhere....right?

 

[dave]

worst that could happen is it takes all weekend and I get nowhere....right?

after slipping scraping all the skin off hands and bashing head into the wing:devil: