Do i need a new strut

**cancam99ss** · 08-16-2010, 08:41 PM

so i was replacing the upper shcok mount and suddenly as i started to loosen the strut the upper piece which is like a bolt like piece to hold the strut from spinning as u untighten it broke of! do i need a new strut or can this one be saved?

**xmarkx** · 08-16-2010, 10:22 PM

the entire shaft broke in half? also, as I've come to find out as of recently, the stud shaft on most front struts for f body spins.... making installation a real joy

**c5z28** · 08-16-2010, 10:27 PM

If you have enough thread to get the nut all the way on you could... I wouldn't since the metal is obvioulsy weaker.

**c5z28** · 08-16-2010, 10:28 PM

Originally Posted by xmarkx

the entire shaft broke in half? also, as I've come to find out as of recently, the stud shaft on most front struts for f body spins.... making installation a real joy

That's what the strut bolt remover tool is for

**xmarkx** · 08-17-2010, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by c5z28

That's what the strut bolt remover tool is for

that's another thing I just learned about after installing. on LS1howto.com they tell you to use vice grips on the top of the stud to hold it in place. VERY BAD IDEA. the vice grips chewed up the stud so bad I won't ever be able to use one of those strut bolt remover tools in the future

**mike171562** · 08-17-2010, 09:22 AM

I used vice grips and also held it in place with my fingers, it works fine , if it still spins you don't have the grips on tight enough. Also helps if you turn the nut fast

**xmarkx** · 08-17-2010, 02:32 PM

you have no idea how hard I tried to get that nut off. the nut and stud were both rusted and were almost fused into one piece. I got the vice grips on tight and was using an extended length gear wrench. I got the nut half way up before it wouldn't go any further with out the vice grips slipping off. I took it to a shop and they had to use an impact wrench to get it to budge