[TurboM]

Please let me know what the best way is to remove this damn thing. Looks to be an 18mm but you need something to hold the bolt still inside with a hex key while loosening the nut. Hopefully its something I can pick up at a local auto parts store. I do not have access to air tools, so that is not an option. Thanks

[Koti335i]

Use a spark plug socket for the nut. They have a hole through the center. Stick the proper Allen wrench through the socket and then loosen by using a standard open/boxed end wrench on the socket.

[JJS]

Originally Posted by Koti335i

Use a spark plug socket for the nut. They have a hole through the center. Stick the proper Allen wrench through the socket and then loosen by using a standard open/boxed end wrench on the socket.

I don't think spark-plug sockets are 18mm in size. The way I removed the nut from another car's strut was to use a deep-reach wrench such as this…



… alternatively, you grind two opposing flats on the top-end of a short socket and use an adjustable wrench (rather than socket drive) to apply torque.

Both of these will allow for an allen key to be inserted for counter-torque.

[TurboM]

Originally Posted by Koti335i

Use a spark plug socket for the nut. They have a hole through the center. Stick the proper Allen wrench through the socket and then loosen by using a standard open/boxed end wrench on the socket.

I'm still confused. All of my sockets have holes through the center.

Also, the nut is recessed quite a bit so a standard open ended wrench cannot get in there.

[TurboM]

Originally Posted by JJS

I don't think spark-plug sockets are 18mm in size. The way I removed the nut from another car's strut was to use a deep-reach wrench such as this…



… alternatively, you grind two opposing flats on the top-end of a short socket and use an adjustable wrench (rather than socket drive) to apply torque.

Both of these will allow for an allen key to be inserted for counter-torque.

Thanks. Who's going to sell one of those things locally?

Not quite sure I understand the alternative method you mentioned. Mainly the "grind" part...

[JJS]

Originally Posted by TurboM

Not quite sure I understand the alternative method you mentioned. Mainly the "grind" part...

You want to be able to use an adjustable wrench…




… to grip a normally round socket of the appropriate size for the nut. To enable this to happen, you put the socket to a grinding wheel and machine a couple of flat spots so the wrench can get purchase.

[TurboM]

Originally Posted by JJS

I don't think spark-plug sockets are 18mm in size. The way I removed the nut from another car's strut was to use a deep-reach wrench such as this…



… alternatively, you grind two opposing flats on the top-end of a short socket and use an adjustable wrench (rather than socket drive) to apply torque.

Both of these will allow for an allen key to be inserted for counter-torque.

I picked up a set of these wrenches at autozone and they don't even come close to fitting down in there.

[TurboM]

Originally Posted by JJS

You want to be able to use an adjustable wrench…




… to grip a normally round socket of the appropriate size for the nut. To enable this to happen, you put the socket to a grinding wheel and machine a couple of flat spots so the wrench can get purchase.

I see what you're saying now. I just don't have a grinding wheel.

[TurboM]

Going to give this thing a try this afternoon. Don't see a reason why it wouldn't work....

[x.shell]

Originally Posted by JJS

I don't think spark-plug sockets are 18mm in size. The way I removed the nut from another car's strut was to use a deep-reach wrench such as this…



… alternatively, you grind two opposing flats on the top-end of a short socket and use an adjustable wrench (rather than socket drive) to apply torque.

Both of these will allow for an allen key to be inserted for counter-torque.

There is no way in hell this will fit. A socket with thin walls barely fits down there. I just use an impact gun with a deep socket.

[TurboM]

Originally Posted by ex o

There is no way in hell this will fit. A socket with thin walls barely fits down there. I just use an impact gun with a deep socket.

Agreed. The 18mm spark plug socket in my post above worked like a charm.

[Koti335i]

Yes. You can find a spark plug socket that'll fit. And they work because a wrench fits on the end of the socket because it is like a nut.

[marcoac14]

Originally Posted by TurboM

Agreed. The 18mm spark plug socket in my post above worked like a charm.

There's a special tool to have this job done correctly. Look for ecs tuning strut nut socket on google. They carry different sizes, and there's also a 5 piece set. The spark plug socket works fine too.

Does anyone know how to remove the rear shocks?

[DrivenByE30]

Originally Posted by marcoac14

There's a special tool to have this job done correctly. Look for ecs tuning strut nut socket on google. They carry different sizes, and there's also a 5 piece set. The spark plug socket works fine too.

Does anyone know how to remove the rear shocks?

You can refer to this thread:
http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=966817


So are you guys essentially replacing your suspension or spring on your own, by yourself, at home?

If so could anyone please take more pictures, i would be interested in doing this myself too.

A DYI!!?!

[marcoac14]

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

You can refer to this thread:
http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=966817


So are you guys essentially replacing your suspension or spring on your own, by yourself, at home?

If so could anyone please take more pictures, i would be interested in doing this myself too.

A DYI!!?!

Thanks. I'm gonna replace my shocks with 335 M sport ones.
Intend to do this at home with a friend.

[Rick4345]

Why not get a set of Bilsteins and get it over and done with?????

[Polo08816]

Can anyone confirm the strut nut is an 18mm?

[Amused]

Allen Key plus this set from Lowes makes things very easy.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Xtre...-Set/999957951

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by Amused

Allen Key plus this set from Lowes makes things very easy.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Xtre...-Set/999957951

You wouldn't be able to properly torque the strut nut with this pass through kit though, right?

[Amused]

Good question. I've used on three of my cars I've lowered and on several friends cars with zero problems. There's only so far the nut will go down. Measure how low the nut is before taking off if your concerned.

[alohasurftoad]

i just used an impact wrench to remove and re-install. i held on to the shaft with a grippy glove. didn't use torque wrench. oh wells. still fine, so far...

[Dr Thrillride]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

Can anyone confirm the strut nut is an 18mm?

Definitely an 18 mm. Dinan springs went in on the weekend. With some nice ground control camber plates.