Nut Removal
 

This is not for a Mercedes, but I thought this forum would be the best bet for help. I am trying to get a front shock off a Camaro and the top stud is stripped, so I can't turn the nut without the stud turning the same direction. I tried cutting a slot in the stud and using a screw driver to hold it, but I can't get enough leverage to keep the stud from turning. I also tried a bolt extraction socket, but I think it was designed to work in the opposite direction. Any ideas?

Try an impact wrench.

The stud still turns along with the nut.

Have you tried a good penetrating oil? I've had good results using PB Blaster which is available at auto parts stores.
Mark

Lots of heat,,,, I mean red hot, and it should break loose.

If the stud (or the nut) is actually stripped, then you're in a bit of a pickle. I don't see penetrating fluid or heat doing the trick.

If I were in your shoes, I'd break out Dremel with a cutting disk. Cut through the nut with the cutting disk, and use a chisel to split the nut. I've done this on a stubborn axle nut. The Demel is such a fine instrument, that with careful use, you can cut a nut (almost all the way through) and not damage the threads on the bolt/stud. Not that you care about the threads of the stud in this case, but in the case of my axle nut, I had to return the axle for a core, so I couldn't bugger-up the threads. It's worked great.

Good luck. And post back with your results.

jp

It is the tip of the stud that's stripped. It initially had an oval shape with two flat sides. I've never seen a wrench that would fit it, other than a cresent. The tip of the new strut is different and has an Allen shape.

The nut is okay, other than being on there too tight. I soaked it overnight in a penetrating oil and I'll see whether that helps. Otherwise, I think it's time to take out the Dremel. Thanks.

With an impact wrench the stud will stil turn but usually the nut will break and rotate about 1/8 turn before the stud catches up. Therefor take the imact wrench and socket. Best to use no extensions, with the impact in place, hit an release the trigger severeal times just enough to allow the socket to start rotating and then come to a stop. Just keep at it untile the nut comes off. If this fails try a bigger or newer impact wrench.

Of coarse penetrating oil helps.

John Roncallo

The impact wrench should work, just as it works for the nut on an alternator pulley that is free spinning.

Heat with all those rubber bushings present is gonna make a smelly mess.:ukliam3:

Thanks for all the input, guys. I finally took out the dremel and chisel. My air compressor motor died, so I guess it's time to go shopping. Took me an hour and 10 cutter blades to get through this one. I think it must me the hardest part on the car.

Glad you got it. This is a little late but there is a tool called a nut splitter.
http://www2.northerntool.com/product/34573.htm available at auto, hardware, sears, etc.....



:book2:

Thanks. I have one and tried it, but the edge of the strut tower was higher than the level of the nut, so I couldn't get to it. No matter how many tools you have, there's always another one you need.

The "stud" that is turning is the shock shaft. It is toast and to be tossed anyway. Your pic shows it is a "strut style", ie exposed. Can you get to it from underneath? From underneath, get on it with vice grips to hold it while twisting the nut.

There was a rigid plastic dust cover underneath the strut tower that extended about 8 inches down the shock, so I don't think I could have gotten to it from there. The dremel sure came in handy. Thanks again.