Shock Absorber Change

[Sean Round]

Hi Guys,

I need to change a shock absorber on my car and no matter how hard i try, I cannot get the strut top nut to shift. I know have a slight crack, probably 4-5mm in the top of the thread so a 6mm allen key bit attached to a ratchet wont grip. I've stopped for now as I don't want to do any more damage.

Can anyone help??

 

[ant]

be careful and heat it up if all else fails

 

[Anonymous]

If you have access to a welder you could weld the allen key (or anything really) to the strut. Just to break the seal on the nut

 

[Karl]

Assuming you have taken the strut away from the car you could always use a clamp, clamp the bowl shape looking thing at the top of the strut and use a deep reach 18-19mm (cant remember the actual size) ring spanner. I had the same issue but laid the whole shocker on the floor and a few grazed knuckles later got it off... what might be an idea is to use your spring clamps to squeeze your spring together it will take some of the tension off the top nut failing that get an angle grinder and cut the bottom plate away so the spring drops obviously still clamped but i got to say that is last chance saloon and very very dangerous then you can just cut the strut in half releasing the spring.............

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[Jason]

Re Shock absorber change

You need a 'whizzy' gun m8, like they use in tyre places. Most garages have one and if you take the strut in with you, I'm sure they'll happily do it for you. Only takes couple seconds. It's the only way. I've been changing struts for years and it's the simplest way. If you cant do that try and get a pair of mole grips round the shaft and use a deep socket. Be careful if you go the cutting route, it may have a gas insert.
Good luck!!

 

[Karl]

Good shout last post didn't think of that, but to emphasize again on making sure the spring is clamped and compressed both sides last thing you wanna do is use a power tool and the whole thing go pop, as it'll either be your Head or your Feet that will take the full force of a shock absorber going off

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[Jason]

Re Shock Absorber Change

Yes, definitely clamp the spring! Forgot to mention that tiny bit of info! Very important. Cheers.

 

[Will]

Man up, i didn't clamp the spring up fully and undid the top nut with a "whizzy" gun, an i'm still here

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[ROBIN]

LOL, yeah, i didn't put a allen key into the strut top, i just used a rather long torque wrench, on the strut top nut, tightened it first and then undid it, tighteneing first helps break the seal, and it undoes alot easier!

Fiat Marea Weekend 2.0 20v HLX 147 83k and so far so good!