Cutting shocks, can't remove top bolt..
#1
Cutting shocks, can't remove top bolt..
After hours of trying to remove the bolt on top of shock, it's finally rounded off and can't hold it with nothing to remove the nut on top of the "hat". So... The spring is still compressed, where do I need to cut the shock at??
My KYBs are going to be here tomorrow and I have an alignment appointment at 11:30 on Saturday. I'm thinking I need to cut the shock as close to the top of the coil as possible so that I can grab the shaft with some vice grips and clamp as I turn the nut, is this the best way possible? I'll be using a saw-zall if it matters..
My KYBs are going to be here tomorrow and I have an alignment appointment at 11:30 on Saturday. I'm thinking I need to cut the shock as close to the top of the coil as possible so that I can grab the shaft with some vice grips and clamp as I turn the nut, is this the best way possible? I'll be using a saw-zall if it matters..
#2
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iTrader: (11)
If you're cutting the shock you can cut it anywhere. But you'll never be able to pull it through the mount because that mount rests on a lip at the top of the shaft.
Please tell me you're not trying to reuse your 14 year old mounts? You really just need new ones.
If you still want to try, you could use a dremel or similar to chop through the nut on top. I did that as it was easier to cut that nut off than try to cut the shock shaft. I was trying to reuse the mounts before I learned that it wasn't possible (the centers ripped out). I got to at least save and reuse the $5 isolator plate
Please tell me you're not trying to reuse your 14 year old mounts? You really just need new ones.
If you still want to try, you could use a dremel or similar to chop through the nut on top. I did that as it was easier to cut that nut off than try to cut the shock shaft. I was trying to reuse the mounts before I learned that it wasn't possible (the centers ripped out). I got to at least save and reuse the $5 isolator plate
#5
First compress the spring and then cut the shock shaft anywhere you can get at it. If you really want to reuse the upper mounts you can re-cut the stem of the shock at the washer on the bottom of the mount.
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#8
It's not mine! woo hoo!
iTrader: (7)
(old on the left, obviously)
That metal sleeve in front of the left one was due to the same issue you're talking about. We fought with these things for5 hours to reuse them (no local parts stores had any in stock). We finally cut them and "rigged" something so I could get home.
Just do yourself and buy new mounts. ACDelco part numbers 501-148 (driver) and 501-149 (passenger). They're like $50 from Amazon.
#9
I just got the new rubber isolators from AutoZone. I didn't know anything about the sleeves though.. I really need to have this back together by Saturday and it won't be possible if I can't reuse the mounts though. Where are the sleeves located at on the assembly??
#10
It's not mine! woo hoo!
iTrader: (7)
Ignore that metal sleeve... That was a "custom" rigging job because we had to cut the inside of the mount out [to reuse it] as it had seized to the strut piston/nut. Had I had new strut mounts in the first place, we'd not have needed to do anything like that.
The strut mounts have a molded "sleeve" that doesn't come out.
The strut mounts have a molded "sleeve" that doesn't come out.
Last edited by demonspeed; 03-07-2013 at 09:16 PM.
#11
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If you're cutting the shock you can cut it anywhere. But you'll never be able to pull it through the mount because that mount rests on a lip at the top of the shaft.
Please tell me you're not trying to reuse your 14 year old mounts? You really just need new ones.
If you still want to try, you could use a dremel or similar to chop through the nut on top. I did that as it was easier to cut that nut off than try to cut the shock shaft. I was trying to reuse the mounts before I learned that it wasn't possible (the centers ripped out). I got to at least save and reuse the $5 isolator plate
Please tell me you're not trying to reuse your 14 year old mounts? You really just need new ones.
If you still want to try, you could use a dremel or similar to chop through the nut on top. I did that as it was easier to cut that nut off than try to cut the shock shaft. I was trying to reuse the mounts before I learned that it wasn't possible (the centers ripped out). I got to at least save and reuse the $5 isolator plate
I just did this last month. Get Moog.
#12
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (11)
Moog or AC Delco are the way to go as they will fit properly. Others are a mixed bag, but don't even try the O'reilly house brand even though they might have them in stock - complete and utter garbage. Misalignment, cheap small bolts that strip out because of poorly cut threads, they even feel light and flimsy. Simply awful.
#16
There are two parts to the mount -- the rubber isolators and the mount itself. Here is a picture of the mount:
(old on the left, obviously)
That metal sleeve in front of the left one was due to the same issue you're talking about. We fought with these things for5 hours to reuse them (no local parts stores had any in stock). We finally cut them and "rigged" something so I could get home.
Just do yourself and buy new mounts. ACDelco part numbers 501-148 (driver) and 501-149 (passenger). They're like $50 from Amazon.
(old on the left, obviously)
That metal sleeve in front of the left one was due to the same issue you're talking about. We fought with these things for5 hours to reuse them (no local parts stores had any in stock). We finally cut them and "rigged" something so I could get home.
Just do yourself and buy new mounts. ACDelco part numbers 501-148 (driver) and 501-149 (passenger). They're like $50 from Amazon.
#19
It's not mine! woo hoo!
iTrader: (7)
However, with new mounts, isolators and struts you've replaced everything necessary.
Oh, another thing to consider would be sway bar endlinks. They're likely junk and they need to come off when doing this stuff.
#20
Little update: got the nut cut off last night and had no problems with the factory mounts. Took some brake cleaner and SOS style pad on my die grinder and they cleaned up perfect. Got the new springs built but didn't install. Went ahead and cleaned/painted everything that looked rough.
Going back together tonight, any advice to make things go a little smoother?
Thanks for all the help guys!
Going back together tonight, any advice to make things go a little smoother?
Thanks for all the help guys!