Help Disassembling Front Struts

[97CosmosM3]

I'm trying to change out my springs and in the front I can't get the big nut on the top of the strut off. When i turn it...the entire shock shaft spins. What do I use to hold the shaft in place to get the nut off? TIA

[dcroghan]

Do you have an impact wrench? If not, refer to this link. He has a solution.

http://logun.org/suspen.htm

With an impact and the springs compressed already you should not have a problem.

[GotCone?]

Just need a 'O' rachet (pass thru ratchet) and socket set. Also some spring compressors. A much better solution than a ground down socket IMHO.

Hit up your local harbor freight! Or take it to a shop (loose strut assemblies off the car) and just pay them a few bucks to swap the struts around.

[M3BimmerBilly]

You can buy a spark plug socket from sears that has the hexagonal top to it. It will allow you to pass the allen wrench throught the socket to steady the shaft while you use a open end spanner to remove the nut. These are long enough to slip onto the nut.

Or yeah, just use an impact.

[97CosmosM3]

OK, Thanks for the help guys.

[kjprince]

or try this

http://brazeauracing.com/struttool.htm

[kjprince]

good write up

[DiScoTeknix]

I use a monkey wrench for the nut and an allen wrench to keep the shock from spinning.