12 point tool for shocks
 

I just ordered Bilsteins comforts for my front. Where can I get the 12-point star tool for removing the bolts holding the front shocks in place?! Is this something one could buy at Sears/Napa?! Size, plz?

James

its just a 12 point 10mm socket, nothing special.

Not sure a socket will fit in there. Box wrench certainly will.

Sometimes an ignition wrench set will have a suitable wrench.

Try undoing the top shock bolt first, then jack up the front and support. I think that will provide some wiggle room and clearance to fit a socket onto the lower bolts.

A 3/8" drive 10mm socket will just barely do the job. A 1/4" drive 10 mm socket will absolutely do the job.

12 points are mandatory.

I could not find a small 12pt socket but managed to noodle it off with a small box end wrench

The pair of fronts I bought came with a thin walled 12 point socket. I forget from where I purchased them.

My Craftsman 3/8 drive, 10 mm, 12 point fit okay on the bolt. The problem is clearance for the socket/ratchet/torque wrench on the rear bolt near the spring pad.

Other advice on the forum here is to remove the upper nuts, compress the piston and maneuver the shock tube outside of the wheel well to provide clearance to the back bolt.

I had a harder time getting a thin (ish) 17 mm wrench onto the lower nut in order to free up the upper lock nut to release the piston from its upper mount. Soaking in penetrating oil prior to starting the work is recommended. My Craftsman box end wrench was a bit too tall. Oh - and the Lisle brand shock absorber tool from O'Reilly Auto parts that fits "most cars except Ford" doesn't fit the 17 mm Mercedes nut or the Bilstein post. A small crescent wrench and a 17mm box end worked fine for loosening and tightening.

Need new toolset...
 

Thx for all the comments - I just double checked my toolbox and I don't have any 12pt sockets or box-wrenches at all.... oh darn -I guess I'm off to Sears again... hehe