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shock removal

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Old Jan 8, 2018 | 01:41 PM
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Default shock removal

Have seen threads regarding changing front shocks on my 92 and now that temps have reached 30 here,I decided to get this done. Heated garage so perfect time-my shocks are original Billsteins and bottom bolts are easy to remove. However the top piece has become difficult to remove I've attached channel locks to the stud end and while trying to back off the nut,it seems that I am rounding off the top of the stud. Does anyone know of an easier way to do this without using a hack saw to cut the top off?
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Old Jan 8, 2018 | 02:11 PM
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I have seen some people put an appropriate sized socket on it and move it back and forth until it breaks. Likely faster than sawing it off.
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Old Jan 8, 2018 | 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted by JimLentz
I have seen some people put an appropriate sized socket on it and move it back and forth until it breaks. Likely faster than sawing it off.
The stud, not the nut.
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Old Jan 8, 2018 | 02:28 PM
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See if the top of your shock will take an allen inside or the part your trying to attach the channel locks on is for a specific sized open wrench (cant remember).
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Old Jan 8, 2018 | 02:42 PM
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I decided the easiest way was to drill a hole thru the fiberglass that is just above the shock, so I could get a tool into the hole in the top of the shock. This hole hides under the wire bundle, so it's not visible.

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Old Jan 8, 2018 | 03:46 PM
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pnewt...as CJjunkie says above, the stud should have a socket in the top of it for an Allen wrench, I can't remember what size. I used a pair of Channel locks on the first one to keep the stud from turning while removing the nut but when I got it off I saw the Allen wrench socket in the top of the stud and that is what I used on the other side. Soak the nut in some Kroil tonight then get at it tomorrow, should come loose relatively easy with the Allen wrench holding it against turning up against the car's body. Good luck.
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Old Jan 8, 2018 | 05:11 PM
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Cut it off with a die grinder or a torch, or you will be fumbling around with it all day.
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Old Jan 8, 2018 | 05:11 PM
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Default shocks

I should have waited till I saw allen wrench advice. Channel locks beat it up so I used my trusty Metabo and have 1 side done, second tomorrow thanks everyone for ll the great advice. Cleaning up brakes and wheel wells while waiting for new wheels to arrive
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Old Jan 9, 2018 | 06:10 AM
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If you still have problems, check out a nut splitter. Assuming you get one with a good quality cutter in it, just slip it over the nut and crank the bolt down against the side of the nut. It forces the cutter into the nut eventually splitting it.

These are what I'm talking about:
Amazon Amazon
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Old Jan 9, 2018 | 08:27 AM
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I actually drilled a hole in the side of the nut...then used a cold chisel. A rap or two by the hammer and chisel and the nut was easy to remove.

Nw to reinstall, I did exactly what Hot Rod Roy did. .. worked like a champ!

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Old Jan 9, 2018 | 09:17 AM
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Originally Posted by pnewt
Have seen threads regarding changing front shocks on my 92 and now that temps have reached 30 here,I decided to get this done. Heated garage so perfect time-my shocks are original Billsteins and bottom bolts are easy to remove. However the top piece has become difficult to remove I've attached channel locks to the stud end and while trying to back off the nut,it seems that I am rounding off the top of the stud. Does anyone know of an easier way to do this without using a hack saw to cut the top off?
You would have been done with both sides in 10 minutes with a $20 investment

Last edited by Cruisinfanatic; Jan 9, 2018 at 08:45 PM.
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Old Jan 9, 2018 | 05:59 PM
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Default shocks

yep used a Metabo worked perfectly all done now thanks
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Old Jan 10, 2018 | 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Cruisinfanatic
You would have been done with both sides in 10 minutes with a $20 investment
Ya gotta luv Harbor Freight !
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