How to remove top strut nut.

safe · safe's Garage

Hi
Do I need a special tool to hold this while removing/torquing up this nut?

KFC911 · 12-19-2005, 04:20 AM

You can use an impact wrench (best), or like I did before I acquired one, a pipe wrench to hold the large washer in order to keep the shock from turning. Wrap the pipe wrench in a shop rag if you don't want to mar the large washer.

livi · 12-19-2005, 04:42 AM

Hi Magnus,

I did what Keith said. Worked fine.

I see you have already flattened out the little bent part...

naparsei · 12-19-2005, 05:47 AM

Yep, you flattened the little locking part. I just used channel lock pliers to grip the washer, and a big rachet on the nut - pretty straightforward.

david.avery · david.avery's Garage

Mine was seized, I spent hours trying to get it loose, then I borrowed a neighbor's 500 ft lb impact gun, removed it in 5 secs.

I then bought my own

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

Use penetrating oil and follow the suggestions.
Surprisingly, the Bentley refers to the spindle as a 10mm on page 401-7 with a torque of 59 ft-lb.
This nut looks bigger to me than 10mm.
Any thoughts? What size is the actual spindle thread?

Evans, Marv · 12-19-2005, 07:51 AM

Magnus,
I bought a cheap spanner wrench set (3 sizes) at Harbor Freight. You probably don't have HF there, but a set of 3 different sixes cost me about $12. I have had other uses for them from time to time. I had somebody hold the spanner while I turned the nut. I did it with a pipe wrench the first time I tried it & messed up the big washer, which I didn't like.

yelcab1 · 12-19-2005, 09:38 AM

The air compressor driven impact gun is what I call the "marriage saver."

It lets you spend less time on the car, more time with your spouse, who will then agree to have you spend more time on the cars, buy more tools, and more cars, to achieve perfect harmony in a marriage.

randywebb · 12-19-2005, 11:14 AM

Marv - do you have a pic of what that spanner looks like?

ianc · 12-19-2005, 11:38 AM

Actually, it is a bit of a fiddle, but you can use the fan pulley spanner that comes with the took kit to hold the washer by the slot in its side while you have a helper loosen the nut. It's a 22 mm.

ianc

safe · safe's Garage

OK, I don't have impact wrench yet. Thinking of buying an electric one, my compressor are to small to be useful, I think.
I'm buying a 2" pipe wrench tomorrow

Ianc, I don't have a fan pulley wrench

I had to improvise one last time I needed it.

Thanks!

safe · safe's Garage

Update: 2" pipe wrench did its business

It also worked fine to remove the balljoint from the control arm.