crznZ06

I'm changing the shocks on my c5, and I accidentally stripped the wrench flats that are on the top of the front shock. Now, the shaft just turns with the 15mm nut that holds the shock in the tower, and I have no way to keep it from turning.

Can you guys help me? Thanks!

CHJ In Virginia

Grab the shaft with a set of vice grip pliers to keep it from turning. Since you are changing them out, it doesnt matter if it gets boogered up. Tighten the vice grip pliers down so that the teeth of the jaw dig into the shaft of the shock. Hold the pliers and you will be able to run the nut off with your wrench.

davidfarmer

what he said....vice grips. Vice grips and pliars are useless UNTIL you reach a point like this where the right tools no longer work, then they become PRICELESS!

btw, sometimes when this happens, an impact socket will zip the nut off so fast the shaft doesn't have time to turn!

wallyman424

you're lucky. When I was undoing mine, the shaft de-threaded letting the bolt spin freely...

I had to cut the shaft and pull it through...

crznZ06

Thanks guys. I used vise grips, and I was able to get everything out.

davidfarmer

wallyman, you remind me of ME 18 years ago....I unfortunately learned EVERYTHING by doing it wrong the first time!

dvandentop

yep vice grips is a saver!