Top nut on strut removal

[pippo]

People,

i replaced my front struts 12 years ago and forgot how to remove (then tighten) the top 18mm nut on the strut cap. That cap has a depression in the center cap preventing one to put a box wrench around the nut while clamping the center stem from turning. I can place a socket around the nut buy then the center stem is blocked by the socket/rachet, preventing anything from gripping/holding down the stem.

How did I do this before??? manual is bad as it shows the guy holding the center stem with a screwdriver while turning that nut. There is no such "cut" for a screwdriver.

Thanks, people.

 

[melsg5]

Haven't seen what you are describing but you can't hold it with a small vise grip?

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Vice grip the strut rod through the spring is the hard way or use an electric impact or air wrench ( should come off without holding the center at all with these two) ..... hopefully you have a spring compressor or safety chains for struts before attemping ....so the spring doesn't hit you or anything else.........

Doug in P.R.

 

[pippo]

Thanks, people. I couldnt get a grip on that end but I wrapped a heavy cloth around the top of the smooth strut, and clamped it down with a heavy pliers, then the nut came off easy, turns out it only torques at 15 lbs. I did not scratch the polished strut.

Now, going to replace outer tie rod end. Ever do this? It has to be done carefully, to not end up with an out of wack alignment. Comments appreciated!

______________________________

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Count the threads sticking out of the old one before installing the new one. A pipe wrench on the inner one to hold it helps while unscrewing the outer one... special to tool is required to remove inner one which is rentable...

Doug in P.R.