stuck front bilstein strut insert - any tricks?

[jomalkay]

Replacing front shock insert to Bilstein sports, one side no problem, slid out easy, other side cannot get the insert out. Roll pin came out relatively easy. tried some lub around the spring pin hole a some tapping with hammer, no luck.
Any tricks?
Also, maybe a stupid question, when i removed the one insert, it did not have any rubber bumper on the rod, the new sport inserts do have a rubber bumper. At first i thought this may be part of the "sport" package, now i am wondering if the original rubber piece was still in the strut housing and now i have doubled up. Of course i figured I'd just check the other side...that one is stuck.
It was all going just way too easy!

[john walker's workshop]

the rubber gets chewed up and needs to be sucked out with a vacuum and the large bits hooked out with a bent coat hanger or welding rod. put the nut on the top and clamp visegrips under it, then knock the visegrips with a hammer. i use an air hammer. be sure to get the rubber bits out of the hole that the shock shaft fits in.

[schumicat]

put the big washer and nut back on the insert, and get a big friend to pull on it or tap the washer from below with a mallet.

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by jomalkay

Replacing front shock insert to Bilstein sports, one side no problem, slid out easy, other side cannot get the insert out. Roll pin came out relatively easy. tried some lub around the spring pin hole a some tapping with hammer, no luck.
Any tricks?

When that happens and all else fails, I pull the strut off the ball joint to get access to the hole that the shock rod extends into at the very bottom.

I spray that area liberally with a professional-grade penetrant and allow it to sit for awhile. Then I tap the end of the shock rod using a punch and hammer.

Works every time, at least for me.

[jomalkay]

Thanks to all, i am sure one of the methods will do the trick.

[DRACO A5OG]

I used a pipe wrench, broke loose and slipped right out.

Brutal but effective.

[jomalkay]

got it done last night, all is good.
Thanks again for the pointers.