paulroad

Got the spring/shock out. No problems until now.

I can't get the shock out of the air bag assembly. The top allen nut/hex nut combination is too tight for any tools.

Suggestion Please?

blackIIIroad

in the middle..use a pipe wrench/vise to
grab-hold of the outside of the socket(slam or pound socket into pipe wrench teeth before using)and then use vice-grips/vise to hold on to the allen wrench..

girlroad

What about PB Blaster...I can even get it at Walmart...sorry my only thought

Rally_nutcase_1982

Air springs, removing and installing

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/24442/airspring.jpg">

Removing
- Remove suspension strut first

- Mark position of shock absorber - air spring piston - mounting bracket.
- Unscrew nut -1-
- Use new nut

Tightening torque: 60 Nm

- Remove air - spring boot upward.

Is this the one you mean? The Bentley doesn't mention any special tools required for this job, I'd grease it and let it sit for some time.

03Indigo

sometimes you just need to hammer those things. Done it all the time without damage to the inner working of the struts.

I just set my impact wrench to max pressure, but it on reverse, set it on the hex nut, and hold on for dear life. As soon as it starts to move, I let go of the impact wrench trigger, then do the rest by hand.

mustbeaudi

I'm rootin' for you, man.

paulroad

without a way to hold both the allen and the hex nut adn turn against each other the entire shaft will spin.

The impact wrench in this instance will do nothing as the assembly spins freely.

Misplacedyankee

Drink beer and all will be clearer.

paulroad

is that the hex nut fits around the allen head thread/stud. Its all part of the shaft and there is no way to get a wrench other than a socket onto the hex. So now the allen is blocked.

paulroad

<center><img src="http://www.toolweb.com/pics/87787.jpg"></center><p>
Off to Home Depot in the AM...