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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: dubpirate on 04 November 2011, 19:09

Title: removing top nut on struts
Post by: dubpirate on 04 November 2011, 19:09
obv 7mm allen key (brake calliper key)

whats the ring spanner called i need

going to go buy one 2morra morning

is it like a 21mm deep spanner ??

exact name needed guys

cheers dan
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: Seanl on 04 November 2011, 19:50
Offset spanner. Not sure if it will be deep enough to get a good purchase on the nut over the side of the topmount though, but dont quote me on that as I've not tried.
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: Dan_GTi8v on 04 November 2011, 19:53
21-22 mm swan neck ring spanner.
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: mad4vws on 04 November 2011, 20:20
you could use a spark-plug socket  as most have a 22 or 24 mm head on them and a 7mm Allen key . :smug: :smiley:
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: snifferdog on 04 November 2011, 20:48
It was a proper pain in the arse when I did it. I bought a special tool from halfords that seemed to do the trick.

Beware though - I also bought a deep offset ring spanner but it wasnt deep enough!
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: Junior74 on 04 November 2011, 21:37
I always use a spark plug socket and a funky allen key with a rubber handle from halfrauds.
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: CJA321 on 04 November 2011, 21:41
Did mine today after work. love having an impact gun and endless use of the of the compressor at work  :laugh:
You could put a pair of vice grips on the shocker shaft and use a 21mm socket and racthet btw. rough but it works!!!! Just jam the vice grips when the shaft turns.
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: Deano2711 on 04 November 2011, 21:43
Just nip down to your local tyre bay and they will undo them with the air gun and then go back later to tighten them. Worth a few beer tokens to save so much time  :wink:
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: CJA321 on 04 November 2011, 21:59
Yeah that would work... but he would have to drive home with no top mounts on that hold the strut to the chassis  :tongue:
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 04 November 2011, 22:18
Just nip down to your local tyre bay and they will undo them with the air gun and then go back later to tighten them. Worth a few beer tokens to save so much time  :wink:

I do hope you're not suggesting driving the car with the nuts cracked off?
As already suggested, the best way to loosen them is with a spark plug socket and an allen key.
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: LazyLunatic on 05 November 2011, 06:04
Piece of pi$$, bent ring spanner and a 7mm allen key, then undo. Done.
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: Seanl on 05 November 2011, 08:02
Wish mine was as easy as everyone elses! Threw in the towel as it wasn't budging on mine, and I was afraid of shearing it off. They are pretty rusted tbh, and I dont think they have been touched since coilies went on in 2008.  :sad:
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: snifferdog on 05 November 2011, 10:08
Wish mine was as easy as everyone elses! Threw in the towel as it wasn't budging on mine, and I was afraid of shearing it off. They are pretty rusted tbh, and I dont think they have been touched since coilies went on in 2008.  :sad:

Mine took a good few hours of graft and several broken ratchets/sockets mate. Stick with it.
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: Dan_GTi8v on 05 November 2011, 10:59
how do you people get an allen on it when a socket is on top of it? surely using the proper tools is the easiest way
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: Seanl on 05 November 2011, 11:06
Spark plug socket has a 24mm (I think) spanner type arrangement at the top, so hold it with a spanner. Put the allen key into the opening on the socket and turn.  :smiley:
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: Dan_GTi8v on 05 November 2011, 11:45
ah right yeah I see now :) would still be easier with the proper tools though :P ring spanner could get a better grip as your grip would be lower/closer to the bolt and also a lot harder to slip off or have it not sitting flush causing the socket to chew up the nut :)
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 05 November 2011, 12:22
Spark plug socket works great  :smiley:
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: mark-mk3gti on 05 November 2011, 14:33
Buy an electric knocker gun off ebay for 25quid, the wolf one, it reallys gives some when it gets going and works well!
Shame I'd done mine by the time mine come, lol, we used a massive pair of pliers and held the  top mount retainer plate then used a spark plug socket and a big bar, see my project thread..
And it came undun easy.. You will have to pull rubber off to get to plate properly..

I tested the knocker gun on a mega tight wheel nut, I stood on bar to tighten it a bit more and on the 2nd go it span it right out :) well worth the money...
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: LazyLunatic on 05 November 2011, 18:06
Yeah an impact gun will work too, even those 12v ones :)
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: Deano2711 on 06 November 2011, 20:56
Just nip down to your local tyre bay and they will undo them with the air gun and then go back later to tighten them. Worth a few beer tokens to save so much time  :wink:

I do hope you're not suggesting driving the car with the nuts cracked off?
As already suggested, the best way to loosen them is with a spark plug socket and an allen key.

Suggestion was to get the tyre bay to crack the nut then retighten by hand with the spark plug socket then when back at home remove and refit later before nipping back to the tyre bay to tighten properly. Air tools always do the work easier and hand tightening would suffice to travel home a short distance hence why I said find a local tyre bay  :wink:
Title: Re: removing top nut on struts
Post by: NERF 69 on 06 November 2011, 21:00
Ha ha all i have to do to loosen mine is drive my car lol!!