Mk3 front strut top nut problem

[Screech16v]

Havn't got a garage but got access to my works which is a boat builders so got the tools,plus the boss is a vw nut ,if you want mate your more than welcome to come down ,normally free after 5 give us a pm

[tweed]

grinder!!!!!!

[Bellend]

Have ground away the top plates and smacked em through with a hammer.

Could cut the spring away in sections then grind the shaft of the shock and get mole grips or a spanner on it.

I personally think the easiest way is go to any garage drop em a fiver and get them to impact them off.

[mark-mk3gti]

I personally think the easiest way is go to any garage drop em a fiver and get them to impact them off.

Yep, spot on, much easier.

Yeah, it could be worth a try, would be quicker than waiting to get to my dads, just the damaged one could cause problems...

Do you want some help?, I am only up the road and have tool's but it would have to be after work about 6 let me know .

Havn't got a garage but got access to my works which is a boat builders so got the tools,plus the boss is a vw nut ,if you want mate your more than welcome to come down ,normally free after 5 give us a pm

Cheers fellers! Really apreciate the offers!! Wont be this week now cos workin wed,thurs then going action f,s,s  but hope to do somet m,t,w if u fancy a bash maybe? Will  msg wen back from weekend!

[w.schmitt3]

I have the same problem going on right now over here in America. The individual that installed the front struts on my MK3 Golf sport project car used an a$$ load of blue thread locker on them and I stripped both 7mm allen spots. Using the "spanner" and 22mm socket method. I had luck with one side using my impact gun (a must have if you are a DIY guy)and a locking plier on the shaft in the wheel well. I am currently working on drilling the nut on the other side off of the shaft. I am a little un sure though do I need to compress the springs before removing the nut? I have not removed either yet as I am unsure if I need to and my compressor tool is being shipped and should arrive tomorrow. Along with my brand new suspension!

[gasketface]

If you are taking the nut off whilst the car is still on the ground nothing will move until you jack it up.If it's already jacked up with wheel off only the strut will drop through the hole to take up any movement available on the lower arm.There is still another nut to undo once you get the strut away from the car,that's the one that holds the pressure on the spring.

I always undo that one as well before i jack the car up,makes it easier later,just do'nt take that one all the way off 

[lankylari]

due to the damage you will need a new strut as i did when i done mine the same way. as this was the case i got a pair of steel-sons on the strut tight and a breaker bar and socket on the nut you may need to pin the steel-sons into position and undo the nut. will be tight but it works done both fronts this way.

good luck

[w.schmitt3]

I do have it up on jack stands and wheels off. What you are telling me is exactly what I figured I was looking at. Just like the rear except the rear had collapsed springs. I have replacement springs and struts on the way; due for delivery tomorrow along with replacement hardware. Thanks very much for your help.

[w.schmitt3]

All done. Too easy.
I did bend a socket wrench on the lower bolts on the steering knuckle. I couldnt find my 18mm impact socket or a reducer to 3/8" so I used a pipe and a wrench and bent the hell out of it. I didnt strip anything though. I would suggest hitting the knuckle with a hammer to loosen every thing up first.

[gasketface]

Do'nt forget to reset your camber