front shocks

eki912 · 02-05-2003, 02:22 AM

Any special tool or trick how to open the front struts? Got them loose from the top , everything else out. Could not open the round top part which holds the shock itself inside the strut.The one with two small holes.Just brutal force and patience , OR?

e k i

eki912 · 02-06-2003, 04:46 PM

REALLY , no one ever had this problem before? The other side.... the topmount nut is stuck too....can´t even try to open the previously mentioned insert holding round thing.The other side STILL stuck , tried all tools I have.Should I take the whole thing out?Try it in a vice?

e k i

craign · craign's Garage

Eki,

I am curious about this also as I am about to do my front shocks.

You might try posting this question at

www.bay912.org or one of the regional boards there.

Craig

cgarr · cgarr's Garage

I replaced mine and had to make a special tool to install the Koni struts, their (koni) nut had the two holes so I made a ring with two studs to fit the holes then just used a big pipe wrench on the homemade ring to tighten... to take the old apart I just also used the pipe wrench since I was not going to use again the old nuts. That top nut can turn the entire strut, you can try to hold the washer below, it has a key to fit the strut or a good air wrench will break it loose quickly. dont forget a good antifreeze mixture in the housing when you replace the strut cartridge.

Craig

eki912 · 02-07-2003, 07:02 PM

Nice picture! Got them both out ! With a clever and powerful friend... Had a good pipe wrench with extension to give SOME POWER , extension was about 1 meter long metal tube! Then locked the strut from turning by metalbar , strong one with holes , bolted to wheelbolts.One keeps from that metalbar , other helper opens slowly with this HUGE extended pipe wrench!With this kind of arrengement and tools , it either opens , or you will ruin the whole strut!Well both locking rings look horrible now , but I got them opened! Did not have a chance to a nice tool like that!And I am not sure if that even would have lasted , I mean these ones were stuck! I hope this is understandable.

e k i