Front shock replacement 73 911s

dpegan · 05-09-2003, 11:06 PM

I am replacing the front shock insert and am have trouble getting the old insert out. I am not able to get the top nut off of the insert, the shaft just spins with the nut. The struts are Boge and I am putting Sport Bilsteins in. It looks like the existing inserts are also Bilstein. Are there special tools for removing the top nut?

slammed1000 · 05-10-2003, 04:10 AM

no special tools required...just lock a pair of large vise grips on the shaft and use a pipe wrench or large wrench to loosen. you may need to shock the nut by hitting the wrench with a hammer...should be a 30 min. job for both sides.

Chuck Moreland · 05-10-2003, 06:55 AM

No vise grips on the shaft! You will nick the surface and that can ruin the shock. That chromed surface is part of the internal seal.

If you have an impact wrench, use it. That is the easy way.

Failing that, there should be a large cupped washer beneath the nut. That washer has a tooth that engages the shaft.

Hold that washer stationary with a pipe wrench. Then use socket to loosen the nut.

Protect the fender paint with a towel in case one of the wrenches slips.

dpegan · 05-11-2003, 02:22 PM

thanks for the info. looks like I striped the washer tooth. So I'll try filing the top of the shaft so I can put a wrench on it without damaging the threads.

thanks again!