After three tries in three days, I absolutely CAN NOT REMOVE the shock mount nut from the shock! WHAT THE HELL?! I have all the proper tools, I am using two wrenches (one to hold and one to unfasten), I let the nut soak in PB blaster overnight... this is the most frustrating problem I have had since changing the water pump. Even that was more fun because at least it was easy to unscrew the damn bolts from the pump. This peice of crap won't even SLIGHTLY unscrew, it just keeps spinning the shock in place and pissing me off!!

Sorry, I have to vent. Seriously, though... has anyone else had this much of a problem with these stupid little nuts? I've always heard shock replacement is a 15 minute job, and I spent a good hour just trying to remove the first nut!

The previous shocks are rusted-to-death Monroes that are of an unknown age.

 

Rear shocks or front struts?

Sounds like it's time for a dremel or grinder to me. I think the easiest thing would be to get a dremel and slot the nut then hit it with a chisel to split it.

Not sure if a grinder would fit on rear shocks, should work on the front struts though.

 

dremel it out

take a dremel, put a cutting wheen on it and cut the nut off piece by piece, lol , it sucks but it works.

air grinder works too of course.

 

Just get a pair of channel locks or vise grips and hold the shaft of the shock as you turn the nut. You will prevent it from spinning. You may gouge the shaft but who cares if you are replacing it.

 

They suck lol

All the abofe will work. Also try soaking it in penetrating oil before you start working on it again.

Think the last 2 sets I did got cut out if I remember correctly :-)

later
Jeremy

 

I'm assuming you're talking the top nuts on the rear shocks. If the shaft is still spinning and you're using 2 wrenches then something is stripped. Are you sure one of the wrenches isn't slipping? Top one should hold it steady, bottom one loosen the nut. Because the tops of the shafts are oblong you might need to use vice-grips or the adjustable plumbers type wrench as recommended earlier. If the nuts are stuck definately go with the vice grip, rotate it to where the vice is resting against the carpet and use a cheater tube extension on the bottom wrench. Leverage is your friend. Top nut first, then the bottom one...

 

Yes, I am talking about the shock mount nut on the shocks. Seems pretty far fetched, but I swear neither of them are coming loose. I could definately see where people think I am confusing the shock mount nuts with the strut bolts, but no, it is actually the shock mount nut.

CrazyHawaiian, I am positive that neither wrench is slipping. When I hold the shock mount with one wrench and push with absolutely ALL my strength on the other wrench, it just sits there, doesn't even budge. At first I thought I was turning it the wrong way, but I verified that I was indeed turning in the direction to loosen the nut. The damn thing just won't come off!

I'm gonna have to go to the store on payday and pick up a pair of vise grips. The idea of buying vise grips had been in the back of my head for a long time, but I've never really had a need for them until just now.

Anyway, thanks for the tips guys. I'll report back after I take another shot at it.

 

Don't you have a friend with an impact gun? or just drive it by a shop with one and ask them to loosen the nuts for you...

 

No to the first question, and wouldn't it be unsafe to drive with the shocks unbolted like that? Most shops that I would prefer taking my car to have policies that do not allow the customer to even go in the garage (probably for insurance reasons).

Anyway, I went to AutoZone today and bought a pair of vise grips so I will report back tomorrow.