is there a special tool to remove top hat nut?

[immajackuup]

318is 1991

where can I get special tool to remove this nut?

[richardodn]

Yes there is. Baum tools 313170. However, it's usually done with an impact driver.

[strad]

Getting it off is not the problem, since an impact driver will do the job. Getting it back on properly is when you need the tool. There is another option though. That bolt is not hugely tight, and it is possible to slide the bump stop down and grab the very top of the strut shaft with a pair of vise-grips and hold it while you loosen or tighten the nut. I've done that four times now and have yet to even visibly damage the strut shaft very much. It is very, very tough metal. And even if you did damage it, it's not going to go into the strut and tear up the seals unless you are doing Dukes of Hazzard jumps with the car. And if you are, you'll have other problems lol.

[immajackuup]

Yes there is. Baum tools 313170. However, it's usually done with an impact driver.

wow wasn't expecting 100 for that simple looking tool.

Getting it off is not the problem, since an impact driver will do the job. Getting it back on properly is when you need the tool. There is another option though. That bolt is not hugely tight, and it is possible to slide the bump stop down and grab the very top of the strut shaft with a pair of vise-grips and hold it while you loosen or tighten the nut. I've done that four times now and have yet to even visibly damage the strut shaft very much. It is very, very tough metal. And even if you did damage it, it's not going to go into the strut and tear up the seals unless you are doing Dukes of Hazzard jumps with the car. And if you are, you'll have other problems lol.

would this work?

[richardodn]

It might. Let us know if you try it.

[DEZIAC]

I tried to grab some h&r springs on the wknd, got the rears off easy but struggled with the fronts. Hopefully their still there tomorrow. I didn't even think to hold the rod down as I just keeped on spinning it with frustration. LOL

[328iBMW10]

hold the shaft with something and just stick a deep well socket down there. OR deep well socket + impact gets it off really fast.

[DEZIAC]

Struggled today at the yard today trying to get this nut off. Tried holding the strut, but it just kept on spinning. Finally found a guy with an impact driver, paid him $5 and they were off in seconds w/o needing to hold the strut. Word of advice, get yourself an impact driver. LoL save the struggle, curse words and time

[immajackuup]

Struggled today at the yard today trying to get this nut off. Tried holding the strut, but it just kept on spinning. Finally found a guy with an impact driver, paid him $5 and they were off in seconds w/o needing to hold the strut. Word of advice, get yourself an impact driver. LoL save the struggle, curse words and time

I do have a makita impact wrench but I want to make sure the top hat and nut is fully tight when put back together.

[Jacksone30]

Compress the spring
Hold the strut shaft with vice grips
Use a deep socket - comes right off

Tim

[DEZIAC]

Compress the spring
Hold the strut shaft with vice grips
Use a deep socket - comes right off

Tim

This method does not always work, as I tried for about 20-30mins per side, springs compressed and all. Maybe I needed bigger or better gripping set of vice grips.

OP, try the suggested route on post #3 when reinstalling.

[bimmer7602]

I used a gearwrench passthrough style socket and it came right off, I was able to get a smaller socket through the gearwrench socket.

[richardodn]

I used a gearwrench passthrough style socket and it came right off, I was able to get a smaller socket through the gearwrench socket.

I'll have to keep my eyes open for a set of these.

[immajackuup]

This method does not always work, as I tried for about 20-30mins per side, springs compressed and all. Maybe I needed bigger or better gripping set of vice grips.

OP, try the suggested route on post #3 when reinstalling.

or I don't want to ruin the shock shaft. plus all my struts are blown,H&R race+blown struts= hell of a ride lol

I used a gearwrench passthrough style socket and it came right off, I was able to get a smaller socket through the gearwrench socket.

how much did you pay for gearwrench passthrough?

[Gloff]

I'll have to keep my eyes open for a set of these.

http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CGMQ8wIwAA#

Good stuff, I've got a set myself

[bimmer7602]

or I don't want to ruin the shock shaft. plus all my struts are blown,H&R race+blown struts= hell of a ride lol

how much did you pay for gearwrench passthrough?

It's been about a year so i cant remember exactly but i think about $70 at sears

[DEZIAC]

or I don't want to ruin the shock shaft. plus all my struts are blown,H&R race+blown struts= hell of a ride lol

I hear you on that, to be honest I rather not ruin the strut as well. I think as long as you compress the spring enough it will take off the load to get the strunt mount on tight. Just use the impact to get the nut back on, then reinstall the entire assembly back up in the car. Secure it w/ the three strut mount nuts and then give the 19mm nut a final tightening w/ the impact driver.

[immajackuup]

It's been about a year so i cant remember exactly but i think about $70 at sears

so gonna get this for my tools collection, 45bucks for 49pc.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...4&blockType=G4

I hear you on that, to be honest I rather not ruin the strut as well. I think as long as you compress the spring enough it will take off the load to get the strunt mount on tight. Just use the impact to get the nut back on, then reinstall the entire assembly back up in the car. Secure it w/ the three strut mount nuts and then give the 19mm nut a final tightening w/ the impact driver.

there's no load when installing H&R race spring because is so short,guess I clamp the oem strut shaft to tighten the nut. all struts are blown anyways.

[ross1]

If the strut is to be discarded and you don't have tools to hold the stud just grab the shaft below the mount with a vice grip pliers.

[straight6pwr]

If the strut is to be discarded and you don't have tools to hold the stud just grab the shaft below the mount with a vice grip pliers.

as long as you grab the shaft close to the top, it will be fine to reuse (you will never get the strut to travel that far, especially with bump-stops on)

i've done this and left no visible marks even left on the shaft.

[87Cabrio89is]

I've used a thin wall 19mm socket grabbed with channel locks and held the center bolt with crescent style adjustable wrench - real PITA, but didn't cost anything more than a scared up socket.

To get the nuts off get yourself a long breaker bar and give it a quick whack with a hammer - the sudden inertia has always done the trick for me.