front strut disassembly help please

944s2cab · 10-14-2002, 07:08 PM

If you've replaced your front struts yourself, you know this problem. I can't remove the upper lock nut from the shock insert because it spins freely. There is a hex key fitting in the center of the nut to separate the two. A standard ratchet / socket covers the hex opening of course. I received a couple of good suggestions on another site but wanted to tap into the clever minds at Pelican as well. There are special tools at $40+ for this...I'm looking for a cheaper answer. Does anyone have one? (this is my second post on this - lost the first one I think, sorry if this appears twice)

Obin Robinson · 10-14-2002, 07:22 PM

special tool? oh hell no! here's what you do:

use a pipe wrench (generic one you'd use for plumbing).
get a ton of PB Blaster penetrating oil.

SOAK the top in PB Blaster ovenight, honestly you gotta let it sink it. then the next day get the pipe wrench on it and just crank away. might have to tap it with a hammer once or twice to loosen up any rust.

good luck!

obin

944s2cab · 10-15-2002, 11:24 AM

ok Obin, I'll give it a try. Thanks.

wannaberacer · 10-16-2002, 11:19 AM

or, do it the easy way. On a weekday afternoon Go to a small shop with a gas station in a 200,000+ mile blue mazda mx6 that has been hit in every panel. Fill the car up, and them ask a mechanic (the dumber the better) if he could help you with a problem. Start up a conversation about something he can laugh at (preferrably about cars), walk over to the car and hand him the struts (with the springs compressed), and ask him if he could use an impact wrench to bust them off. Most likely if you made him laugh, he'll take a liking to you and say "yeah sure".
Then after you take that off, if you don't have a vice and pipe wrench, go to another shop and have them take the cartriges out (don't forget to make him laugh!).
After that installation is easy, if you have the correct wrench for the nut (24mm I think??It's been a while since I did this), and the allen key socket for 1/2" drive or even 3/8" drive. Or, Just ask for some more help.
REMEMBER: you can always go to another shop and bother, I mean... ask them. Or just give them five bucks! It's painless, It worked for me, and it'll work for you!

phantom309 · 10-16-2002, 12:22 PM

If you've got the space, air tools are the only way to go.

If you shop around you can get a compressor, an air ratchet and an impact wrench for a bit over $200 (I got mine at Wal-Mart). Those nuts take about 15 seconds apiece with an impact wrench. Seriously, air tools will save you time, money and aggravation nearly every time you work on your car.

944s2cab · 10-16-2002, 05:51 PM

ok fellas, I figured out the best & cheapest way...
I went to Sears and bought a 22mm deep well socket. Then I put two flat spots on each side with a grinder (literally this took seconds). I put the socket in a vice on the flats, inserted the allen key and bingo! The beauty of this is for $4, I now have a permanent tool for removing shock inserts.

I can use you help once again, however. Now I need to compress the springs to put it back together and I do not have a spring compressor. It looks like it doesn't need much compression. Anybody have any cheap ideas?

Brian J · Brian J's Garage

I rented a spring compressor set from my local rental center for $10 per day.

wannaberacer · 10-17-2002, 11:22 AM

if you rent from murrays its free, all you have to pay is deposit.

951carter · 10-17-2002, 03:06 PM

You took it apart w/out a spring compressor?!?

You are lucky you still have a head!

You can buy a spring compressor for cheap.

944s2cab · 10-18-2002, 01:54 PM

yeah, the spring was pretty well expanded once the whole unit was out but I didn't realize there was so much tension still being held. When the last threat was undone, it made a noise like "YASSERARAFAT" and the nut shot like a missle but luckily no casualties.

I am going to rent the spring compressor from AutoZone...like you pointed out, that's cheap and safe. btw, I bought new struts, the spongy cushion, rubber cover, new control arms w/ ball joints and new tie rod ends. It should feel like a new car! The only part I skipped was the upper strut bearings...I could not believe it but the cost from the Porsche dealer for that item each side was $529! I don't think it even affects handling that much. Now, I've got to go find the torque specs I had misplaced for all these nuts. The manuals say to replace the nuts and don't reuse...how valid is that?

wannaberacer · 10-18-2002, 04:26 PM

VERY VALID, because those are self-locking nuts. Besides, they're cheap and inexpensive. Even if you go to the dealer, I think it wouldn't cost you more than 5 dollars.

SoCal Driver · SoCal Driver's Garage

From what I've read the later model rubber mounted top strut bearings can be lubed. Use a good moly grease. These are important or they wouldn't ask so much for them.

I just smash the top of the locking nuts with a whack or two from a hammer and reuse them. Yet to see them loosen after ten years.

You can use the car weight as a spring compressor if you are careful.

ae1969 · 10-18-2002, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 944s2cab
........When the last thread was undone, it made a noise like "YASSERARAFAT" and the nut shot like a missle but luckily no casualties.

LOLOLOLOLOL .... I did that when I was sixteen working on my sisters 924! ...

except mine sounded kinda "watthe*****waaasthhhaat!"... or was that me?