Tool for removing struts from strut tube

[speedyblue]

What so you guys usually use to undo and re-tighten the nut that holds the strut into the tube? I'm thinking a pipe wrench or big set of mulit grips, but if someone on the Gold Coast has the proper thing, or knows where I can get hold of one I would love to know about it.

Cheers

Scott

[Zedrally]

http://new.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17439

[Bambikiller240]

Large Crescent Wrench (Adjustable Spanner) or a Pipe Wrench. Wrap the the piston rod of the strut to protect it if the wrench slips.

There is a "Special Tool" for this job, but it's way more expensive than the two suggestions above.

[speedyblue]

How did I miss that thread. Only 5 days old too.

The new nuts I've got are round, but I'm sure the pipe wrench will tighten it OK. Just checking for other options first.

Thank guys.

[RIP260Z]

I just took my strut down to my local machine shop, they had a spanner to fit the gland nut size (55mm) and broke them loose for nothing. No chewed up nut.

[Mike]

I tried both a plumbers wrench and a crescent wrench on mine. Both of these damaged the nut and was not able to break it free. I finally took the struts down to the local Nissan shop and they used the 'special' tool to break it free within 30 seconds. Mine were so tight they had to put a foot on the bench to get some leverage!

I advise finding the right tool if your nuts are as tight as mine. Of course, tightening your new nuts shouldn't be as difficult. Is there a torque specification for this?

-- Mike

PS: Yea yea... no nuts comments..

[abas]

I had problems getting the nuts off mine but I was using a pretty manky old pipe wrench to start with. I then borrowed a decent one from a plumber that had nice sharp teeth ( the pipe wrench not the plumber!!!) and it was no problem. I did have to put a 3 foot long pipe on the end to break the rust free though.

Mike, I believe there is a torque spec for the gland nuts but unless you have the proper tools how would you be able to measure it?

[RIP260Z]

If I remember rightly from my service manual, there is a "hole" on the special tool so you can attach a 1/2 inch torque wrench. The spec is up to 94lbs, but there was an equation where the length of the torque wrench was taken into consideration, so you got the required setting. Can't remembr what that is, but can look it up when I get home, or someone can look it up before I get back on here tomorrow.

Ian

[speedyblue]

The instruction that came with the strut had a spec for tightening the new nuts. I think it was 80lbft. I was just going to do them up tight.

[260Z-1JZm]

I just got a piece of 100x 6 flat steel and hacksawed a 55mm wide slot in the end.

It works just fine.

[Mr Camouflage]

I just got a piece of 100x 6 flat steel and hacksawed a 55mm wide slot in the end.

It works just fine.

Think I'll give that a go, only crescent wrench I could find big enough was like AU$90.

Or i'll take them down to a suspension place.

[speedyblue]

I ended up using a pipe wrench. I put a length of pipe on the handle to crack the nut and that was it. As long as you are careful and make sure the wrench has a good grip you should have no problems. All my nuts are still in good nick.

Sorry, couldn't help it.