Strut top nut...

[toddu]

I know this is in the archives, but I think I'm missing something. I went to loosen the top nut, and it broke free without much issue. Problem is that it turned maybe 3/4 of a turn, and now the strut insert appears to just be spinning inside the housing. The "large washer" (I assume this is the one directly under the nut) does not spin, but everything else is. It was my understanding that this washer has a key that should fit into a notch in the strut insert.

Any thoughts of what's going on here? I don't have an impact wrench, but think I can get a hold of one. Is that going to spin it fast enough to get the nut moving faster than the insert? Any other tricks if I can't get the impact wrench? (I have a 22m socket, but not a wrench... I suppose I can get a wrench and then hold the top of the insert to try to keep it from spinning).

Oh, and everything on the bottom end is removed (ball joint, etc).

Todd

[porsche930dude]

impact gun usually works. otherwise youve to to hold the shaft somewhere that it wont be damaged. I havnt doe it on the porsche but many other vehicles. maby someone knows a special way for porsches

[tonythetarga]

if the washer beneath the nut is fit into the groove of the upper strut threaded rod, get yourself a pair of channel lock pliers and hold the washer in place while you use your socket wrench to undo the nut.

[Nine9six]

+1 on what Tony said...Thats how I do it. An extra set of hands come in handy once in a while.

[toddu]

That's the whole problem... the washer stays in one spot, everything else spins as a unit.

[randywebb]

try impact - it is like magic sometimes

[scottbooth]

did this the night before last. it *was* like magic.

scott

[toddu]

I will try it then. Only question in my mind is why the washer key is not ever engaging the notch.

Had an issue with the nut on the pin that holds the strut on the ball joint. Jast kept spinning. Turns out the threads on the pin were basically gone where the nut was.

So, entire strut is probably some hack job. I do have a receipt from the previous PO for new inserts. F'n shade tree mechanic.

[911pcars]

Sudden Torque; I think one of Clint Eastwood's movies.

Sherwood

[SP2]

You will see when you remove the insert that the "washer key" has nothing to do with the insert. The insert is just like a big bolt and nothing is holding on to the head. You can buy a good inexpensive electric impact wrench from Home Depot "Rigid" brand. It's about $45.

You needed to replace that ball joint wedge pin anyways. The threads being gone were probably caused by you. It might not have been a bad previous mechanic. It is a stretch bold, so the threads probably just gave way. No biggie.

[toddu]

Ok, borrowed the neighb's 25 gallon air compressor and his impact wrench, and the nut was off in about 3 seconds. Next on my shopping list is an air compressor and impact wrench... what fun!!! Turned out the "key" on the big washer was very mangled, so couldn't seat in the grove on the insert.

Is there a way to tell if the strut insert is good? I have a receipt from the PO for inserts maybe 5 yrs ago.

You guys rock!!!

Todd

[jaydubya]

Hi Todd - how many miles on the inserts over those 5 years?

There is no way to tell for sure if the inserts are good without putting them on a shock dynamometer. Even then you would have to know what their valving "should" look like.

Less than 20K and they are likely fine.

If you have doubts you can send the inserts to Bilstein in San Diego to have them checked out. Even if they need a rebuild, it's only $65 per insert.

You can get an electric impact wrench if you don't want to deal with purchasing a compressor.

[randywebb]

Originally posted by 911pcars
Sudden Torque; I think one of Clint Eastwood's movies.

Sherwood

"Do you feel screwy today, punk? Well, do ya'?"