Rounded MacStrut top

[BootStrap]

Not sure if you can make out the photo, I'm trying to remove an aftermarket front shock.




Got an offset ring spanner around the strut top nut and then rounded the 'flat sides' of the strut.

Added WD-40, no joy, used a bit of heat, still no joy. Flatened off the edges again with a file and jammed a 3/8 and then a 9mm spanner on instead of the original 10mm and hasn't budged yet.

Whats my next move?

[Manicminer]

If its off the car, take the whole strut down to local garage and get them to attack it with an impact gun, normally will come undone without even holding the shock piston. If its still on the car just get them to loosen it a bit to break the seal

Failing that some shocks have flats up at the top underneath the top mount, a pair of long nose mole grips should hold it still.

[oakdale]

BootStrap said:

Not sure if you can make out the photo, I'm trying to remove an aftermarket front shock.




Got an offset ring spanner around the strut top nut and then rounded the 'flat sides' of the strut.

Added WD-40, no joy, used a bit of heat, still no joy. Flatened off the edges again with a file and jammed a 3/8 and then a 9mm spanner on instead of the original 10mm and hasn't budged yet.

Whats my next move?

Going by the spanner size you are talking about I assume you mean the center hex and not the nut?

If so, and you are going to replace the damper anyway, hold the strut piston rod with vice grips between the coils of the spring and undo the nut.

[MG CHRIS]

The air gun method is the best will save you a load of time in the end.

[BootStrap]

Well, heres the car at the moment...



The front subframe, wishbones, rack and wheels need to go back on next week as it is off to have a cage fitted. I could get the guy to have a go with the gun then and see how it goes.

Thanks guys and I'll report back.