Author Topic: Blasted Struts!!! (Read 3954 times)

Smokey Eddy · « **on:** August 30, 2008, 11:00:21 pm »

I can't upload photos on stupid photbucket for reasons unknown. Does anyone know what it means when you click "choose files" and it says
"Invalid Function Name: Selectfiles"

So anyways I suppose i shall explain my problem and upload later when it decides to work.

I took the whole front driver side strut out and compressed the spring with two spring compressors to try and get it off an put lowering springs on. Good grief what a big job! How do you get the top cup off to take the spring off??? there is like a .... uhhh
a nut that is flat and round but has two grooves i suppose you need a special super expensive VW tool for. Does anyone have any tips on undoing this ... thing.... whilst holding the strut still

? I start school on tuesday and I need the car! holy frick what a head ache. Thank's for your input!
Ed.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #1 on:** August 30, 2008, 11:04:40 pm »

You can either grind a spare socket to match the grooves, buy the special tool or use a flat screwdriver and a hammer. I prefer the screwdriver and hammer method. Just put it in one groove and tap it with the hammer in the direction to take the nut off. Try to keep your face away from the end of the strut/spring just in case the compressor decides to let go :shock:

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #2 on:** August 30, 2008, 11:20:17 pm »

I did the hammer flat head thing for about 20 minutes and got really fed up. How long did it take you?? its also very difficult while doing that to not let the strut spin wil your tapping

burn_your_money · « **Reply #3 on:** August 30, 2008, 11:41:25 pm »

Mine didn't take that long. Do you have an impact?

commuter boy · « **Reply #4 on:** August 31, 2008, 12:41:31 am »

The socket's only $20 from metalnerd. Just about every VW online shop sells them.

jtanguay · « **Reply #5 on:** August 31, 2008, 05:07:30 am »

i had no issues whatsoever while using an impact... and for whatever reason i was able to take the struts off without a compressor.. can't remember how i did it though. the lowering springs made things a lot easier. i just had to compress them slightly to get the strut bearing installed, then in she went! very nice

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #6 on:** August 31, 2008, 03:22:58 pm »

The back was really easy but this thing on the top is really aggrivating me.
No, i do not have inpact tools. I borrowed my mates to get the top nut off and loosen the bottom ones. This weird washer thing is really aggrivating me though. This is going to tbe the only time i take them apart so i want to avoid spending 20$ and waiting for shipping for this one time job.
I guess i'll just plod along slowly with the hammer and flat head.

Thanks all,
Ed.

fatmobile · « **Reply #7 on:** September 02, 2008, 03:25:18 am »

Take a deep socket and grind it down except for the 2 points.
I think a 9/16" socket will work,... 6 point.