loosening top of strut

1. saxo_mike Established Member Joined: Mar 2008 Heald Green, Stockport Posts: 1721 black/yellow vtr

   #1 22nd February 2010, 16:47

   i've tried holding the nut with a swan neck spanner but it won;t get over the nut
   
   what else could i use without spending big money?
2. raunchz Saxperience Addict Joined: Jul 2005 Solihull / Bournemouth Posts: 14233 2015 Lapiz Blue Golf R

   #2 22nd February 2010, 16:50

   I tend to undo the nut with the strut on the car and the car on its wheels.
   
   I use a swan neck if it still spins - seems to be a tight fit but can just get enough on the nut to undo it.
   
   In the past, have drilled 2 holes in the nut opposite each other and cracked the nut off.
3. user_33380 Frequent Poster Joined: Apr 2009 Chesterfield Posts: 666 Saxo VTR MkII 2000(W) Posi Blue, VTR MK1 1998(R) P

   #3 22nd February 2010, 16:54

   Hi mate, had the same problem in the week and had to grind the outer edge of ring spanner down until it fit the nut. Luckily it was a cheap set of Clarke spanners. Did the job though
4. saxo_mike Established Member Joined: Mar 2008 Heald Green, Stockport Posts: 1721 black/yellow vtr

   #4 22nd February 2010, 16:59

   argh , i ned to fit my new suspension while everythings off for the gearbox
   
   is there such thing as a socket with a head on it so you can grip it and put an alen key through
5. user_10473 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2006 Swansea Posts: 4946 Bianca White Peugeot 106 S2 Rallye, Saxo VTS

   #5 22nd February 2010, 17:10

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by saxo_mike is there such thing as a socket with a head on it so you can grip it and put an alen key through

   Yes, but they're not cheap. Unless you can find somewhere that sells them individually.
   
   http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/pr...kets-tool-sets
   
   
   Why don't you take it to a garage to undo?
6. raunchz Saxperience Addict Joined: Jul 2005 Solihull / Bournemouth Posts: 14233 2015 Lapiz Blue Golf R

   #6 22nd February 2010, 17:14

   ^ ^ they wouldn't work though
   
   I like the idea of grinding a bit off a swan neck spanner - get a set off ebay cheap
7. Aron Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Feb 2007 Nuneaton Posts: 3554 EP3 Civic

   #7 22nd February 2010, 17:21

   If you have a impact or air gun then just spin it off.just be carefull not to pull thread off.
8. Sparco_Tom Saxperience Addict Joined: Jan 2007 Aylesbury, Bucks Posts: 12836 Yeaaahh Fiesta

   #8 22nd February 2010, 17:27

   Another option is to get a 19mm socket and clamp some mole grips to it. Stick the torx key or alley key depending on damper through the middle. Crack it off.
   
   Easiest option is to undo them when the car is on the ground still.
   
   Although i use air tools so its not an issue for me
9. Gordon Frequent Poster Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 543 Phase-II VTR

   #9 22nd February 2010, 18:05

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Aron If you have a impact or air gun then just spin it off.just be carefull not to pull thread off.

   Impact guns FTW!
   
   
   Do you have access to any Welding kit? Old 19mm socket with some scrap bar welded to the side should do the trick.
   
   If not, Tom's suggestion of Mole grips should be sufficient, just make sure the grips are tight on the socket.