Top Nut On McPherson Strut

jbz3 · #1 10-07-2006, 02:09 AM

I am trying to replace the strut on a 91 Cutlass Ciera. What is the secret to tightening the nut at the top of the McPherson strut? The rod just spins. I can't get a socket on the nut and hold the rod at the same time. Is there a special tool or a secret to accomplish this? Thanks for any suggestions.

alphalanos · #2 10-07-2006, 02:12 AM

You could get some thick rubber padding like those things used to open jars and clamp the shock rod with it.

-Just make sure its very thick so you dont scratch the rod.

jbz3 · #3 10-07-2006, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alphalanos

You could get some thick rubber padding like those things used to open jars and clamp the shock rod with it.

-Just make sure its very thick so you dont scratch the rod.

Thanks for your reply however only the top end of the rod is visable. That is the problem. The top of the rod has flat sides to grab but the nut is below it. So if you have a socket on the nut, the top of the rod with the flat sides is buried inside the socket and you can't get to it. There must be a simple trick to it as shops do this all the time. I just cant figure it out....thanks again

alphalanos · #4 10-07-2006, 09:53 AM

Maybe use a box wrench?

jbz3 · #5 10-07-2006, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alphalanos

Maybe use a box wrench?

I tried that too. The nut is down in a recess so you cant get a box or offset wrench on it. I can barely get vice grips on it and tried turning the top of the rod with a wrench. I was able to get it to get the to spin a little but not nearly as tight as it needs to be. I can't believe they make this so difficult for a 'do it yourselfer'. Thanks again for any other suggestions!

mediocre george · #6 10-07-2006, 12:57 PM

The typical method is to use an impact wrench on it. If you don't have access to one, I'd say get the nuts on as much as possible, and drive it to a shop (no way the struts should come out or anything), and see what they would charge to get them on for you. shouldn't be much.

jbz3 · #7 10-07-2006, 02:54 PM

Thanks a million for the help everyone! I took it downtown to a local shop and they hit it with the impact wrench and that cranked it right down. No charge either! I really appreciate the replies and suggestions!!!!! Thanks again!

mediocre george · #8 10-07-2006, 06:26 PM

Couldn't have asked for that to work out any better! Glad it worked out for you man.

George

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