Strut top nut help - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

Dembo · 01-09-2016, 11:01 AM

I have KWv1s to install which reuse the OEM top mounts. Having got the front right strut out I found I couldn't budge the top nut at all. I was using a deep 17mm ring spanner about 9" long and an allen key with mole grips, and spring compressors to remove the load, but couldn't make it turn. I tried the other one that was still on the car, but that didn't want to move either.

Any tips? Is an impact driver the only way? Surely that risks damaging the shock.

The other option is that I get some mounts from somewhere and leave the old strut assembled, which at least make it easier to swap back if I ever want to. But it's not entirely clear from the instructions which bits I need.

Thanks for any advice.

Shneegle · 01-09-2016, 11:44 AM

I have used a electric impact and a vise grip to get mine apart a couple times now. Use the vise grip on the strut rod to make sure it doesn't spin and use the impact on the nut. I don't see the use of stock struts if your moving to KWv1's.

You can do it with a open socket and an allen key just takes more force from you to get it to loosen.

JSanders · 01-09-2016, 12:31 PM

If you go with the plier/vice grip idea (which does work) PLEASE put a rag on the strut before you grip it with the pliers. Reduces the rick of damage if it spins. When I disassemble strut assemblies at work, I compress the spring and can usually reach in and grasp the strut by hand enough to break the nut loose with an electric 3/8" impact. Best of luck!

stevesnj · 01-09-2016, 02:36 PM

I used a pipe wrench so I didn't have to buy the special tool

Dembo · 01-09-2016, 02:42 PM

Yes that's what I need. I was trying to work out if I could grip a socket with something whilst sticking the allen key through the middle.

I'm amazed you can get a good enough grip on the shaft, but I'll give it a go.

Thanks for replies.

cnk · 01-09-2016, 02:51 PM

Get some pass through sockets. Makes life much easier.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

ryoma · 01-09-2016, 03:59 PM

I used a pass through socket and an allen key tool with pliers grabbing the short end on the allen key. I did it with my car on the ground then jacked it up. I wasn't going to risk messing up my fingers with a spring compressor lol. though, I did have to use a cheater bar on my passenger side front nut. the driver side got loose easily.

I bought a set of pass through sockets from Harbor Freight for $20. they aren't that expensive

Keenercarguy · 01-10-2016, 10:26 PM

Lowers has a fantastic set from kobalt for just $19. I literally changed all four springs yesterday. Use an extension. We literally used the handles off of two floor jacks and slide the pass through into one and the long end of a 6mm Allen key in the other. Worked like a CHARM. We did use spring compressors though (full disclosure).

Dembo · 01-11-2016, 06:40 AM

Ta. I've ordered some pass through sockets so we'll see how that goes. Hopefully they'll turn up for the weekend.

01-09-2016, 11:01 AM	#1
Dembo Member Join Date: May 2015 Drives: 2012 Grey GT86 Location: UK Posts: 24 Thanks: 1 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s)	Strut top nut help I have KWv1s to install which reuse the OEM top mounts. Having got the front right strut out I found I couldn't budge the top nut at all. I was using a deep 17mm ring spanner about 9" long and an allen key with mole grips, and spring compressors to remove the load, but couldn't make it turn. I tried the other one that was still on the car, but that didn't want to move either. Any tips? Is an impact driver the only way? Surely that risks damaging the shock. The other option is that I get some mounts from somewhere and leave the old strut assembled, which at least make it easier to swap back if I ever want to. But it's not entirely clear from the instructions which bits I need. Thanks for any advice.

01-09-2016, 02:36 PM	#4
stevesnj Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Drives: 2016 FR-S Oceanic Blue Location: Southern NJ Posts: 2,958 Thanks: 2,158 Thanked 1,601 Times in 923 Posts Mentioned: 30 Post(s)	I used a pipe wrench so I didn't have to buy the special tool __________________ My 2016 Build thread TRD Exhaust with custom quad tips, TRD Lowering Springs,TRD Quick shifter,LED;DRL, Projectors, and turn signals. Re-badge, 86 Nanny, WinmaxW2 Pads, K&N Drop In, Antenna delete

01-09-2016, 03:59 PM	#7
ryoma Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Drives: 2015 Subaru BRZ Limited CWP Location: SoCal Posts: 1,561 Thanks: 34 Thanked 669 Times in 469 Posts Mentioned: 13 Post(s)	I used a pass through socket and an allen key tool with pliers grabbing the short end on the allen key. I did it with my car on the ground then jacked it up. I wasn't going to risk messing up my fingers with a spring compressor lol. though, I did have to use a cheater bar on my passenger side front nut. the driver side got loose easily. I bought a set of pass through sockets from Harbor Freight for $20. they aren't that expensive __________________ My 2015 CWP BRZ Build

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01-09-2016, 02:42 PM	#5
Dembo Member Join Date: May 2015 Drives: 2012 Grey GT86 Location: UK Posts: 24 Thanks: 1 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s)	Yes that's what I need. I was trying to work out if I could grip a socket with something whilst sticking the allen key through the middle. I'm amazed you can get a good enough grip on the shaft, but I'll give it a go. Thanks for replies.

01-09-2016, 02:51 PM	#6
cnk Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Drives: '13 DGM BRZ Limited Location: NJ Posts: 1,202 Thanks: 59 Thanked 547 Times in 339 Posts Mentioned: 8 Post(s)	Get some pass through sockets. Makes life much easier. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

01-10-2016, 10:26 PM	#8
Keenercarguy Mountain Runner Join Date: Jan 2014 Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited 6MT Location: Boone, NC and Charlotte area NC Posts: 714 Thanks: 489 Thanked 142 Times in 105 Posts Mentioned: 8 Post(s)	Lowers has a fantastic set from kobalt for just $19. I literally changed all four springs yesterday. Use an extension. We literally used the handles off of two floor jacks and slide the pass through into one and the long end of a 6mm Allen key in the other. Worked like a CHARM. We did use spring compressors though (full disclosure).

01-11-2016, 06:40 AM	#9
Dembo Member Join Date: May 2015 Drives: 2012 Grey GT86 Location: UK Posts: 24 Thanks: 1 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s)	Ta. I've ordered some pass through sockets so we'll see how that goes. Hopefully they'll turn up for the weekend.

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