W211 front shocker nut ... how to remove?

[james2747]

Hi, can anyone recommend a tool to use to release the top nut of the shocker.
I don't have an impact driver!
You cant get at the nut with a normal ring spanner.
A 17mm deep socket fits ok but I cant then get at spindle to stop it turning.
You need to hold the shocker spindle with vice grips, or similar, to stop it turning ... so you then can't get anything to 'drive' the socket.
A sort of 'half-deep' socket with a handle welded on would be good ... but I don't have any welding gear.
I assume professional garage just 'zips' them off with an impact gun but there must be a hand tool that can do the job .... says I hopefully!

 

[Droverunner]

Forgive me for saying but I'm assuming you have a proper spring compressor setup?

What I've done with other vehicles which is a pretty universal dodge is to get access to the piston in between the spring coils... wrap an old bit of bike inner tube or similar round it for protection and apply mole grips to the piston then just use your 17mm socket. Another way is to chop the top from a spare old socket.... grind a couple of flats on its side for mole grips or even a spanner... and then you have access to the spindle hex through the socket top.

The proper tool is a deep socket with an external hex like this in the correct size...

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[EmilysDad]

there are clamps that can hold the chromed stem without damage .... never used one, but know they exist.

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[supernoodle]

I made a tool by cutting down a 17mm socket and welding to an old spanner. It's thin enough that you can get a 6mm spanner across the flats of the spindle.

 

[LostKiwi]

there are clamps that can hold the chromed stem without damage .... never used one, but know they exist.

Clamp 6270 Clamp for Strut Insert Pistons - 60mm Bolts for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Clamp 6270 Clamp for Strut Insert Pistons - 60mm Bolts at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

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That's exactly what I use on the Smart.

 

[james2747]

Forgive me for saying but I'm assuming you have a proper spring compressor setup?

What I've done with other vehicles which is a pretty universal dodge is to get access to the piston in between the spring coils... wrap an old bit of bike inner tube or similar round it for protection and apply mole grips to the piston then just use your 17mm socket. Another way is to chop the top from a spare old socket.... grind a couple of flats on its side for mole grips or even a spanner... and then you have access to the spindle hex through the socket top.

The proper tool is a deep socket with an external hex like this in the correct size...

KS Tools 150.9418 Shock absorber external hexagonal counter holder socket 18mm : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Shop KS Tools 150.9418 Shock absorber external hexagonal counter holder socket 18mm. Free delivery on eligible orders of £20 or more.

www.amazon.co.uk

Hi Droverunner
Thank you very much for your reply .... much appreciated.
The deep socket with the outside 'hex' seems to be a very good solution. Will just track down a 17mm socket and this will greatly ease the job.
Thanks again.

 

[james2747]

I made a tool by cutting down a 17mm socket and welding to an old spanner. It's thin enough that you can get a 6mm spanner across the flats of the spindle.

Hello Supernoodle
Thank you very much for your reply .... a very good solution.
I don't posses any welding gear but will bear this solution in mind for the future.

 

[Droverunner]

No problem. Do bear in mind if your shocks are the type... and many are... where the piston naturally withdraws a few cm you will need the tool LK linked or the mole grip and protection dodge I mentioned to be able to start the nut even with spring compressors tight on.

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Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Clamp 6270 Clamp for Strut Insert Pistons - 60mm Bolts at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

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[noonboots]

Why is the top nut being undone before removing the strut from the car? It easy when it's on the bench. The spring should be compressed before it's taken off. . If the shock is being replaced you can hold the piston with whatever you want, it won't matter if you damage it.

 

[supernoodle]

The picture on the car was for demonstration purposes..
When the spring is broken there is no load on the top mount, undoing isn't so easy unless you hold the rod.