Strut Install Problem

[Luvzvag]

So I guess I won't be finishing my suspension install after all. While doing the front left (final corner) I managed to break off the Allen bit in the strut end. Pretty much sheared off flush so there's no way to grab it with vise grips.

Here is what I've tried so far:

1) took vise grips to the shaft, but can't get it tight enough to stop spinning.
2) took impact wrenches (330 ft lbs & 420 ft lbs) to the nut but shaft still spins (with vise grip on)

Not sure what my options are at this point, any suggestions?

I already called the dealership and it will cost $200 for top mount assembly, boot & sleeve, and bump stop. And it will take 3 days to arrive. I'm hoping for a cheaper and quicker solution.

Thanks!


https://www.dropbox.com/s/l0f26rpg4j...2023.18.55.jpg

[stefan]

Re: Strut Install Problem

Take a sharp chisel or punch to the broken allan key bit and try to tap it counterclockwise - if it is broken off flush, you should be able to dig in to it a little. There shouldn't be all that much holding it in there unless you totally deformed the top of the strut.

[Talky]

Re: Strut Install Problem

If you can get anything to grab on the allen bit turn it in the direction of tightening and that normally pops them out. I would also start soaking it in a Liquid Wrench in an attempt to free it up.

Correction opposite direction (like above CCW) of how it got jammed

[MechEngg]

Re: Strut Install Problem

I know it sounds counter intuitive but try to tap the allen bolt staight IN with a hammer, this may loosen the grip it has and then it should be easier to pull out.

[Luvzvag]

Re: Strut Install Problem

Wow thanks for the quick responses! All great suggestions

I'll give it another go tonight and will report back. I also forgot to mention I sprayed the nut with penetrating oil last night hopefully this loosens things up some.

[turbomeyers]

Re: Strut Install Problem

I can hook you up with the parts if you want . For dead chep to get you out of a bind

[kujiwara]

Re: Strut Install Problem

Same thing happened to me, I just used an air impact instead.

[Luvzvag]

Re: Strut Install Problem

I can hook you up with the parts if you want . For dead chep to get you out of a bind

Thanks! Pm'd

[Luvzvag]

Re: Strut Install Problem

Same thing happened to me, I just used an air impact instead.

Yeah I already tried that with 2 air impact wrenches yesterday. Will try again today, hopefully the penetrating oil loosens things up a bit

[Luvzvag]

Re: Strut Install Problem

I know it sounds counter intuitive but try to tap the allen bolt staight IN with a hammer, this may loosen the grip it has and then it should be easier to pull out.

This worked thanks MechEngg!!! It's so simple it's genius!

I smashed the allen bit head a few times with a hammer and it jarred loose. Too bad I just returned the spring compressor at Canadian Tire an hour earlier lol! Oh well... At least I can finish up and ride low(er) by the long weekend

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2igecua9l2...2021.08.27.jpg

[MrSector9]

Re: Strut Install Problem

depending on where you live in the city (off deerfoot and 17th ave se here) you can borrow my spring compressers, they are just princess auto ones but they work

[martin13]

Re: Strut Install Problem

You need to use a spring compressor to take some of the tension off of the nut before you take it off. It will make it much easier and I am quite sure an impact will take it off.

[Luvzvag]

Re: Strut Install Problem

depending on where you live in the city (off deerfoot and 17th ave se here) you can borrow my spring compressers, they are just princess auto ones but they work

Hey MrSector9.

Belated thanks for the offer. I actually ended up purchasing my own from Princess Auto and completed the install the next day lol!

Cheers