help rear strut dissasembly

[rktmn]

I have not idea how to remove this nun on my rear strut.

http://groups.msn.com/JoseAFernandez/computers.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=372

As you can see, the nut is burried inside a rubber doughnut. The shop manual does not show this doughtnut in the drawings.

I can fit a socket over the nut, but the socket blocks access to the shaft, so I cannot use a wrench to keep the shaft from rotating.

I cannot use a wrench, becaise it does not fit insided the hole.

Is there a special tool?

Jose

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

You areusing coil spring compressors, right?

Yes, there is a special tool. Its called a "crows foot" wrench. But with that "donut" (which Ive never seen before, either?!) the crows foot might not even work.

I made a "special tool" by welding a handle onto a deep socket to fit that particular bolt. The end that attatches to the ratchet was also opened up to allow yet another deep socket to get to the small allen stud.

I then used an impact gun on the small stud, while holding the nut by hand with my special tool.

It can be a PITA, Good luck.

 

[rktmn]

No, the crow's foot will not work on this set up. I am considering using a deep socket and milling out a slot to fit a small wrench giving it enough room for about 1/3 turn.

This should give me enough movement to break the nut loose.

I have already compressed the spring.

I was hoping to get this done today.

Jose

 

[MI-SHOFEAR]

wow, i have never seen that before either. Weird. Good luck.

Jeff

 

[SASHO91]

if its rubber just pull it out...
i havent seen it before either, so with that said, and others not seeing it, along with the manual not saying anything about it.... pull it out.... its only rubber.
thats what i would do....

 

[Ishodu]

I had this issue too. I Got a 1/4 dirve ratchet and extention with the correct socket 8 or 10mm then I took a 13/16 spark plug wrench placed it over the top of the extention then put the ratchet on the extention to hold the shaft. Then with the correct size wrench or adjustable turned the spark plug socket at the top where its like a nut while holding the 1/4 drive from turning. This worked for me.

 

[rktmn]

Well, I cut it off with a hack saw. Since all I needed was the strut body to install a Koni insert, it did not matter that I destroyed it.


I think that ISHODU's method should work, however, I did end up milling a 13/16" socket and inserting a 10mm wrenc through the slot, but all I got was a stripped shaft.

That nut is on there very tight.

The donut, by the way, is made out of metal. It has a rubber insert on the bottom. I have no idea what its fuction would be, since it does not come into contact with anything. A flat washer would be just as effective.

I do not think that I will re-use it. I will just use a regular washer.

Thanks,

Jose

 

[Bizzy]

I had this issue too. I Got a 1/4 dirve ratchet and extention with the correct socket 8 or 10mm then I took a 13/16 spark plug wrench placed it over the top of the extention then put the ratchet on the extention to hold the shaft. Then with the correct size wrench or adjustable turned the spark plug socket at the top where its like a nut while holding the 1/4 drive from turning. This worked for me.

did something like that.

Use an impact to remove the nut from the factory struts. Gonna toss them anyway. but while installing the konis and the dounut thingy I use the 1/4in socket setup.

 

[rktmn]

I don't think that the doughtnut is necessary. I flat washer will do.

What is the doughtnut for?

Jose

 

[sdpatt]

There is a tool kit available at many auto parts stores for working on strut assemblies like the rear struts on the later model SHOs as pictured. The required tools include various size hollow socket sleeves for the large nut and longer narrow sockets to access the flats on the tip of the strut shaft.

The hollow sleeves are turned with an open end wrench (or Crescent wrench) and the longer socket is held with a socket wrench. I originally purchased the kit to remove the nut from the assembly in the picture.

The function of the heavy donut was not clearly apparent to me either. From its mass and mounting position, it seems to be there to dampen vibrations that might cause a specific frequency noise.

 

[SHO92]

I've also heard that the donut is for vibration dampening. My black 92 had the donuts, but my 93 didn't. When I installed my koni/eibachs, I left them off. I believe they are made of lead too.