Need use of airtools for 5 min to remove tophats

Discussion in 'General Community' started by cMags, May 24, 2011.

  1. cMags

    cMags Member

    Trying to remove a pair of tophats from my rear struts for Mok, but even with spring compressors, an offset 17mm wrench and a 6mm T-handle allen (supposedly all the right tools), I cannot get the damn nut to move.

    Is there anyone in the Marietta area I could bug for 5 minutes use of an impact wrench and 17mm socket this week? I work 12-8 so anytime outside those hours.

    Thanks ahead of time. :bowdown:
     
  2. gfred024

    gfred024 Member

    I just had to do the same thing. I just took my struts with the compressors on up to the local tire shop here and one of the techs did it for free. Doesn't hurt to ask.
     
  3. SubiNoobi

    SubiNoobi Supporting Member

    Before I got my air tools (a VERY worthwhile investment BTW) I took my struts to a local goodyear - Bam bam bam took em off and sent me on my way.
     
  4. cMags

    cMags Member

    Good ideas guys. I'll look around for a shop that would be able to do this for me. Anyone have one they can recommend? The *only* shop I've been to since moving here 3 years ago is AllPro, but I'm not driving an hour each way for a 5 minute job.
     
  5. Matt

    Matt Think before you post Staff Member Supporting Member

    like subinoobi said, try goodyear or any other tire shop near your house.
     
  6. John

    John Active Member

  7. cMags

    cMags Member

    Yea I didn't have a pass through socket, but I was able to get an offset box wrench in there (same deal as a pass thru socket, w/o the ratchet) and an allen key (w/ a T handle). But these are still torqued from the manufacturer and have 100k on 'em so they weren't budging. A little vibration from the impact wrench should loosen its grasp.
     
  8. John

    John Active Member

    I use the allen keys that fit on a 3/8 ratchet. you get much better leverage that way
     
  9. cMags

    cMags Member

    Interesting idea. I figured I wanted to hold the strut piston steady with the allen tool so it didn't spin in the strut or tophat, and just turn the nut, but I suppose I could try to get more leverage on both and see if I can break 'em loose between the two.

    Or since I just heard from Mok and he's not in a rush, I can wait to find a place with airtools to get it done in a few mins. Yea, less physical effort in this heat sounds good to me. :coolugh:
     
  10. mokinbird87

    mokinbird87 Active Member

    take ur time :)
     

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