red933

Hey people, got a 1982 chevy malibu and I cant get the old front struts off. I put some WD on the top nut, put on a vice-grip, tried to turn the nut, and rounded off the top. Oh, and the upper control arm is in the way. Think I'm screwed now?

curtis73

First of all, they're shocks on that car, and secondly you're never screwed There are several ways of getting it off. The top of the shaft itself should have a flattened spot for a wrench. Get a proper sized wrench on it and on the nut. Vice Grips are for welding

Short of that you could cut the nut off with a grinder or cut off wheel.

Most shafts are installed in the shock valve with threads. Just keep on loosing the nut (turning the shaft) until it pops out. It may be rather explosive and messy since the nitrogen charge will splatter smelly oil all over the place.

You could go to the parts store and buy a nut splitter to get the nut off.

Tons of options.

red933

Hey thanx Mr. Mod. I'll give all that a shot. Hopefully not one in my head.

curtis73

No suicides on AF. Its illegal and it could get you banned Good luck