willysink

Hi guys, i removed the front suspension from my 2001 sti, going to get it powder coated as its getting a bit scruffy, I need to remove the shocker insert, I tried to slacked the nut on the bottom of the strut, (I take it holds the insert in the strut), it slacked a few turns then started spinning, even if i stop the insert from spinning it still turns but doesn't slacken, it won't tighted now either...have i damaged the internals, how can i remove the insert now?

Dave Hedgehog

iTrader: (1)

No, that's normal. you're jsut spinning the damper rod now. You need to clamp it in some way.

They tend to be pretty corroded as they've been out in the salt.

Can you put a small notch across it (a couple of mm deep only) so you can hold it with a flat screwdriver?

willysink

thanks Dave, will try that tomorrow
cheers

dan653

iTrader: (3)

Try just compressing the shock first, this should locate the damper rod in a slot at the bottom of the shock which locks it in place, if no luck with that try a rubber strap wrench (normally for oil filter removal) to hold the damper rod, failing that improvise with a towel and pair of vice grips (careful not to mark the rod) or as Dave said a clot in the end of the thread with a big screwdriver to hold it in place.

Do not attempt to use a windy as you risk rounding off the locating slot and melting the internal seals by spinning the rod at high speed