Mk3 front strut top nut problem

[mark-mk3gti]

Hi all,

Cos it was raining I thought I'd nip out and have a crack at cracking the front strut top bolts just so I know I can do em ok tommorrow if weather is good.

Tried a few times but not budging!

So was gonna try wd40 but didn't have any so tried some lubricating oil in a can,
Had another crack at it and i thought it came free,
But instead the Alan key has cracked!  



Obviously I've stopped as soon as I realised, but now I'm wondering what the hell I can do,

Gonna get some wd40 and soak them all loads, but this one is now gonna be a prob,

Was thinking maybe tryin to get another nut on top the same size then getting someone to have a go with a impact socket but thinking it's not gonna come undun,

Gutted cos wanted it done for action! now it ain't gonna happen,

Anyone got any ideas?

Cheers

[leegt5]

I used an impact wrench on mine to loosen the nut.. Once its loosened off a bit then use a spanner and allen key to undo !!

[mark-mk3gti]

Yeah, have get someone to do it for me, bit of a bugger cos doesn't the strut bit just spin with the nut?

I didnt think they would be so tight, as previous owner changed springs before I got it, but guess that was nearly 2years ago,

Gutted won't be done for weekend now,

[AudiA8Quattro]

You will probably need to replace the shocks now as well, i think winding a nut on and off those threads could be difficult.

[mark-mk3gti]

You will probably need to replace the shocks now as well, i think winding a nut on and off those threads could be difficult.

Yeah got shocks and springs to fit all round, but obviously now I'm stuck cos I don't have an impact wrench, think my dad might thou, but it's just getting it to him now before weekend, which is what I wanted, guess I'll have to just fit at a later date when Ive got more time, bugger, lol

[leegt5]

doesn't the strut bit just spin with the nut?

Yeah it does but the initial shock of the impact wrench on the nut will normally be enough to move the nut a few mm without the strut moving. Then use a spanner and allen key to stop the strut moving while you undo the nut.

[gasketface]

You need one of these :-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wolf-12v-square-drive-Impact-Wrench-Kit-/370472473941?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item5641e15555

Iv'e done a few of these.Last one's i did were a real pig.I had to use a blowlamp to heat the nuts up to get them off.Ended up destroying my impact wrench though  .

Do'nt forget you will need to reset your camber as well :- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gunson-Trakrite-Magnetic-Camber-Castor-Gauge-/270794682088?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f0c9eeee8

If you happen to have a spare pair of top plates and 2 x new top nuts you could bend the old top plates upwards enough so that they will pull through.An angle grinder may also come in handy.

[mark-mk3gti]

You need one of these :-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wolf-12v-square-drive-Impact-Wrench-Kit-/370472473941?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item5641e15555

Iv'e done a few of these.Last one's i did were a real pig.I had to use a blowlamp to heat the nuts up to get them off.Ended up destroying my impact wrench though  .

Do'nt forget you will need to reset your camber as well :- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gunson-Trakrite-Magnetic-Camber-Castor-Gauge-/270794682088?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f0c9eeee8

If you happen to have a spare pair of top plates and 2 x new top nuts you could bend the old top plates upwards enough so that they will pull through.An angle grinder may also come in handy.

That's an interesting thought, bend it ans pull it through!
The kit I've got has mk2 top mounts on, so i need to recover the top mounts or I could buy 2new ones tommorrow,  just have to check if those top plates are the same,
If u buy top mounts do them plates cone with em?

[benvictors]

If you are replacing the struts then just drill it out, 9mm drill bit straight down the middle about 35mm deep, then use a chisel and hammer to shear off the nut, simples 

[Deano2711]

Nip down to the nearest tyre bay and get them to stick their air gun on it. Will be off in seconds and then replace for the new shockers