simply J

I can't tell if it is too small or that the rubber piece on top of the strut is just too small to allow it to fit on the nut.

Kris Hansen

Would have been long done by now!!! =)

I think there is a special socket for that, but since I just used my impact gun, it just flew right off.

Try holding the socket with a pair of pliers, while you hold the shaft with the allen wrench. I doubt that this will work, but what other option do you have?

simply J

I gotta figure something out i guess

Kris Hansen

but that won't help when it comes time to re-install the new one. I have a deep offset wrench that I 'modified' for the old school VW upper strut bearings, you have to grind the back slope almost flat so that it will clear.

DO you have a grinder handy? Grind 2 flats on your 18mm socket, and use your large channel locks (you have those too, right??) or vice grip to hold the socket, use the allen to hold the shaft still.. That might work...

®ob

To remove the bolt on the shock get a socket of regular size. Grind 2 sides of it so it looks like this from the top of the socket
_
(_)

You can now get a normal wrench on it. Now stick an allen wrench (6mm IIRC) through the center of the socket. You can now hold the shock shaft still while you undo the 18mm nut. Use this same method to reassemble the new assembly as well.

MikekiM@PureMS

First, takes the front strut off the compressor. Then use a regular ratchet with a deep 18mm socket. Break the nut loose, and give it a good turn or two. Then reapply the spring compressor. You should then be able to use a vise grip wrapped around the 18mm socket, with an allen key through the center.

aspire a4

What are channel locks?

VicG

<ul><li><a href="http://www.channellock.com/default.cfm">http://www.channellock.com/default.cfm</a</li></ul>

rickw

O.Ratchet available @ Sears tool dept works for me.

Speedy72t

I had no problem just using an 18m socket with vice grips