Help with top strut mount please

  1. Newbie Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 28 Gold MK2 VTR
    #1
    Just had a quick search and found nothing on this, I needed a new top strut bearing so I got one and now I can't get the top mount off the actual damper. What do I do? Haha I can't get a spanner into it and when I stick a ratchet on it it just turns and turns. Help please?

    Cheers
  2. Newbie Joined: Jul 2011 Gtr. Manchester Posts: 6 Saxo 1.1 Forte
    #2
    You need either: a 'cranked spanner' or offset ring spanner(http://diydata.com/tool/spanner/spanner.php) to fit onto the nut on the top and use a smaller spanner to hold onto the flats at the top of the strut stancheon to stop it spinning around or:
    an impact socket wrench on the top nut - like commercial garages use - (I have seen them come off this way before).

    Of course the spring clamps should be on before any loosening is done to stop the whole lot coming off together because the spring is held under pressure by that nut.
  3. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jun 2008 North Wales Posts: 5576 Fabia VRS PD130/ VTR Mk2
    #3
    Not sure on the technical name but you need a thin walled ring spanner and a allen key. If you cant get a spanner, put the socket on, grip the socket with a pair of grips and put the allen key though the top of the socket.
  4. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2011 Abermule, Mid Wales. Posts: 2763 Corsa Rally Car & Fiesta ST
    #4
    make sure you got spring clamps on then put a spanner on the nut and an allen key/torx bit in the top to hold the shock absorber piston/shaft whatever you wana call it and undo the nut with the spanner, simles. haynes manual covers all this.....
  5. Established Member Joined: Apr 2009 Redcar Posts: 1971 2000 Posi Blue vtr
    #5
    It is easier to take the top nut off when the damper unit has the weight of the car on it. I have heard the spanners called gooseneck spanners before (might help). If you are close to a garage then a windy gun will take it right off no problem.
  6. Newbie Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 28 Gold MK2 VTR
    #6
    I got it sorted in the end, I got a big pair of grips and held a bit of the top mount and it starting undoing then I just held the shock with a pair of mong grips and undid it all the way if that makes any sence and thanks I'll have to try your ways next time! Might be easier!

    Thanks agen