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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Therusterman on 03 November 2014, 11:16

Title: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: Therusterman on 03 November 2014, 11:16
Soo, had a go at replacing the front struts. Usually a 7mm allen key and socket are enough to undo the suspension top nut until...

(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/therusterman/R420%20OCF/IMAG0573_zps6415fbf4.jpg) (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/therusterman/media/R420%20OCF/IMAG0573_zps6415fbf4.jpg.html)

When trying to undo the nut heard it crack and thought I'd got it moving, until I realised I've now rounded the hex part of the strut. Any suggestions on what to try? Seen as the top of this strut is now buggered I'm resigned to the fact of just getting the angle grinder and cutting the top of the strut piston off.
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: Bellend on 03 November 2014, 11:39
Grips on shock absorber if you are replacing them anyway.

Grind flats into the shock hold with a spanner.

Grip the top mount cap and undo.

Impact gun.
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: Therusterman on 03 November 2014, 12:01
I've been using my cordless impact gun and that isn't shifting it, I think because its just rotating round.
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: Gti_Jamo on 03 November 2014, 12:59
I've been using my cordless impact gun and that isn't shifting it, I think because its just rotating round.

You got the car still on the deck with the tension in the spring as it would spin easier if it was raised off the ground?
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: itavaltalainen on 03 November 2014, 13:51
still gonna use that shock absorber? if not weld the piston to the cartridge (done that :D )
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: Therusterman on 03 November 2014, 13:56
You got the car still on the deck with the tension in the spring as it would spin easier if it was raised off the ground?

Yup, gave that one a go this morning. Going to break out the power tools on it over the weekend I think!
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: Bellend on 03 November 2014, 17:06
Where are you located?

I have a battery impact which I guarantee will rip it right off.
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: clancy on 03 November 2014, 18:43
Mole grip on the piston of the shocker as you undo it
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: Therusterman on 03 November 2014, 19:10
Where are you located?

I have a battery impact which I guarantee will rip it right off.

Thanks for the offer. I've got a battery impact gun and still no joy. It'll probably be going under the knife to get it off!
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: Bellend on 03 November 2014, 23:57
Where are you located?

I have a battery impact which I guarantee will rip it right off.


Yeah but I've got a proper one. :tongue:
Thanks for the offer. I've got a battery impact gun and still no joy. It'll probably be going under the knife to get it off!
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: tweed on 04 November 2014, 10:44
Cut top threads off then drill the rest out. Start with small drill bit then work up to nut size, then you should be able to hit the nut with a hammer and job done.
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: gasketface on 04 November 2014, 21:26
you can drill through the sidewall of the nut and then it will undo or break away from the threaded strut part.You will obviously need a new nut though and i think that one is a special,domed on bottom ?
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: Therusterman on 05 November 2014, 21:25
Cut top threads off then drill the rest out. Start with small drill bit then work up to nut size, then you should be able to hit the nut with a hammer and job done.

I'm aiming to keep the fasteners in a usable condition if I can, I'd rather sacrifice the strut as I have a new set to replace them with.

You will obviously need a new nut though and i think that one is a special,domed on bottom ?

Yes it is the domed one, I think because it sits on the upper strut mount bearing. Received the cutting discs this morning, so one way or another this will be coming apart one way or another.
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: tweed on 06 November 2014, 10:49
I always replace the nuts as you have found out its seized on, so why reuse it?

Did you soak them in plusgas before attempting to remove them? That normally works
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: VW BUSH on 06 November 2014, 19:45
I always replace the nuts as you have found out its seized on, so why reuse it?

Did you soak them in plusgas before attempting to remove them? That normally works
Nuts are £1.50 why not change them just get them with the mounts or struts.

Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: donnyrayvon on 07 November 2014, 13:34
It looks like you have the top mount plate off, so once the shock is removed you should be able to compress the spring which will then take tension off the second nup which I think is the one you are trying to get off
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: Therusterman on 09 November 2014, 19:48
All sorted. Dropped the strut off again today, clamped a pair of mole grips with an old microfibre cloth around the strut to protect it and buzzed the nut off with the impact gun.

Thanks for all the help everyone.
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: tweed on 09 November 2014, 19:49
Why protect it? Surely not going to reuse it are you?
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: Therusterman on 09 November 2014, 21:26
No I'm not, but it was a method I wanted to try in case I get a similar problem on a strut I'd want to re-use again.
Title: Re: Alternative to undo front strut top nut?
Post by: mark-mk3gti on 09 November 2014, 22:05
you can drill through the sidewall of the nut and then it will undo or break away from the threaded strut part.You will obviously need a new nut though and i think that one is a special,domed on bottom ?

that's what I did, didn't take too long either :)


sorry just got to the bottom and seen your sorted :) lol