Audi Suspension Top Nut Tool?
Discussion
Every time I have hassles with a job, I make a point of getting the correct tool for the job for "next time".
In this case I can't find what I need?
The strut nut on an A3 needs a socket to undo it, but you also need to hold the strut centre at the same time (allen key) so meaning you cannot use a socket bar or ratchet on the socket? I used grips on the socket and hence knackered some of the chrome on a very expensive socket.
So for all other Tool Anoraks - What tool would do the job please?
Nick
In this case I can't find what I need?
The strut nut on an A3 needs a socket to undo it, but you also need to hold the strut centre at the same time (allen key) so meaning you cannot use a socket bar or ratchet on the socket? I used grips on the socket and hence knackered some of the chrome on a very expensive socket.
So for all other Tool Anoraks - What tool would do the job please?
Nick
I think box spanners are considered expendable.
They're dead cheap and made of soft steel. You'll be able to cut it with a hacksaw, file, and drill it. You can even weld it if you want.
For your tricky situation, get a two bits of studding and some nuts. Poke it through the hole, do the nuts up either side. If you're lucky you'll still have enough space in the middle to get your allen key through.
If you have a welder, cut the tommy bar in half and weld it into the body. You'll probably have to cut the spanner in half anyway, unless you have long series allen keys.
They're dead cheap and made of soft steel. You'll be able to cut it with a hacksaw, file, and drill it. You can even weld it if you want.
For your tricky situation, get a two bits of studding and some nuts. Poke it through the hole, do the nuts up either side. If you're lucky you'll still have enough space in the middle to get your allen key through.
If you have a welder, cut the tommy bar in half and weld it into the body. You'll probably have to cut the spanner in half anyway, unless you have long series allen keys.
dilbert said:
I think box spanners are considered expendable.
They're dead cheap and made of soft steel. You'll be able to cut it with a hacksaw, file, and drill it. You can even weld it if you want.
For your tricky situation, get a two bits of studding and some nuts. Poke it through the hole, do the nuts up either side. If you're lucky you'll still have enough space in the middle to get your allen key through.
If you have a welder, cut the tommy bar in half and weld it into the body. You'll probably have to cut the spanner in half anyway, unless you have long series allen keys.
Dilbert
Thanks for the advice, it would work OK but, to me a spanner is to be carressed and looked at as well as used
Nick
miniman said:Mr Miniman has got it right. A deep-reach ring spanner (traditionally called a "Swan Neck" Spanner.) Be warned, they are hard to find, and you will probably need to order one from your local tool shop as they won't have one in stock ...
How about this:
The alternative (as you have found) is a socket of the right size and some mole grips. It doesn't ruin the socket, but can scrape the chrome a little.
It's the same arrangment on all Golfs (up to Mk IV) and many other cars as well.
Oli.
zcacogp said:
Mr Miniman has got it right. A deep-reach ring spanner (traditionally called a "Swan Neck" Spanner.) Be warned, they are hard to find, and you will probably need to order one from your local tool shop as they won't have one in stock ...
That one was from www.toolsnstuff.com - best of both worlds - get what you want, business for PHers!
aprisa said:
dilbert said:
I think box spanners are considered expendable.
They're dead cheap and made of soft steel. You'll be able to cut it with a hacksaw, file, and drill it. You can even weld it if you want.
For your tricky situation, get a two bits of studding and some nuts. Poke it through the hole, do the nuts up either side. If you're lucky you'll still have enough space in the middle to get your allen key through.
If you have a welder, cut the tommy bar in half and weld it into the body. You'll probably have to cut the spanner in half anyway, unless you have long series allen keys.
Dilbert
Thanks for the advice, it would work OK but, to me a spanner is to be carressed and looked at as well as used
Nick
No problem, when you said ring spanner no good, I assumed you meant a deep set one. They are the only ones worth having.
I assumed from what you were saying that your top nut was down in a box/hole.
>> Edited by dilbert on Thursday 10th March 16:25
miniman said:Make sure that the reach is deep enough. I have seen many that aren't, and few that are ... (thankfully the one in my cupboard is ...)
That one was from www.toolsnstuff.com - best of both worlds - get what you want, business for PHers!
This is one advantage of an old fashioned tool shop. You can see and handle the thing before you buy it, and make a good guess as to whether it will do the job or not. You just can't do this on-line ... but that's not to say anything bad about toolsnstuff.
(Awaits smutty jokes about handling things before buying them.
) Oli.
There is a special tool to do this job. It is essentially a socket with a hole cut in the side to allow you to put in an allen key. It's actually called something like a "strut top socket" IIRC I saw it in a "Snap-on" or "Draper" catalogue. It's the proper tool for the job and allows you to use a torque wrench when you tighten it all up.
Edited to add this link. This is what I mean. http://p-car.com/diy/sus/
pp
>> Edited by Pickled Piper on Thursday 10th March 22:42
Edited to add this link. This is what I mean. http://p-car.com/diy/sus/
pp
>> Edited by Pickled Piper on Thursday 10th March 22:42
zcacogp said:In most cases yes, but with toolsnstuff you can just give Patrick a call and he's always very helpful.
That one was from <a href="http://www.toolsnstuff.com">www.toolsnstuff.com</a> - best of both worlds - get what you want, business for PHers!
Make sure that the reach is deep enough. I have seen many that aren't, and few that are ... (thankfully the one in my cupboard is ...)
This is one advantage of an old fashioned tool shop. You can see and handle the thing before you buy it, and make a good guess as to whether it will do the job or not. You just can't do this on-line ... but that's not to say anything bad about toolsnstuff.
(Awaits smutty jokes about handling things before buying them.
Oli.
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