How do I get the bolt off the top of the rear struts?

[Integraoligist]

Changing the rear struts on a '97 GSR, have the spring compressed and ready to pull the strut out but I can NOT get that bolt that holds the rod off of the top!

When i turn it with a wrench the entire rod turns, i can't find anywhere to put a clamp to hold the damn thing... how do I go about doing this?

Thanks all!

[MurderedDA]

hit it with an impact. did mine last weekend.

[sheryip]

shoul,d be a hex hole on top of the strut rod. use a hex key to hold it in place

[MurderedDA]

^^ X2 i forgot i did have to use the hex on one of them sorry

[Integraoligist]

Tried to hold the top with a hex but the nuts rusted on. How do you go about holding an spent wrench on it while using an impact driver?

[MurderedDA]

the impact hits hard enough where u don't have to worry about the inside moving usually.. but idk if it will when the bolt is rusted on. its worth a shot, though.

EDIT: put some PB blaster on it so it breaks loose easier.

[haichid]

If your only intention is to save the top hats with no concern of damaging the shock or nut you could use a nut splitter. I found myself in a similar sitution and as a last resort used one.

[migee]

Just use a grinder? I can't remember exactly how they look but I think thats what I did, either that or I clamped the shaft with a vice between the springs.

Been so long ago...

[ap1-dc4]

Soak with pb blaster then try a hex tool/wrench,

[blkteg21]

First Uncompress the spring. Hit it with some kind of penetrating oil and let it sit for a few minutes. Next try loosing the nut while using the allen wrench. It should break free. Once you have it loosened pretty good, compress the spring and remove the nut.

[g3integragsr]

I agree with Uncompressing the spring... You'll need all that pressure to break it loose. DO NOT fully remove that nut while the spring is Uncompressed though!

The trick that has worked for me countless times on numerous struts/shocks.... Grab a piece of the stickiest Duck Tape or equivalent you can find (shit has to be strong and sticky though). Tear in about a one inch or so strip and wrap it around the shaft two or three times overlapping. Grab a pair of Vice Grips and clamp them down using every ounce of strength in your being. Allow them to rotate until they wedge themselves tight in the spring as you turn the nut... and if you've done it right.. It WILL hold the shaft from spinning

Trying it with Duck Tape is worth a shot.. I see no reason why a good sticky brand (not the cheap junk) wouldn't hold just fine. This is the stuff I have laying around: http://www.tapemanblue.com/redstuccotape.html
It's outrageously expensive and is every bit twice (if not more) as strong as duck tape

Good Luck

[Integraoligist]

ok, got the first one off with letting it soak in wd40 all night... before i move on to the next, how do I remove the boot off the stock strut to put on the new one? Looks like it's attached to the strut itself.

Thanks again all for the help!

[MurderedDA]

the rubber piece that sits on top of the spring? pry it out with a flat head screwdriver.

if thats not what u were talking about, please specify.

[GreyTeg]

I just cut the shock in half right below the nut. Why would you want to save those shocks anyways?