aIm having a hella of a problem with trying to thread the bolt onto my new rear hatch strut,not the pin by the bracket but the other one with the triple square bolt,it seems as if the internal nut has moved forward and out of the way for me to propperly thread and screw back in,any suggestions?
Ep

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W123 1985 300TD naturally aspirated

Have you tried using something small to push the nut back where it needs to be.

That hatch is REALLY heavy huh. When I did mine I couldn't believe how heavy the hatch was. Those struts have their work cut out.

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Problem is i dont want the nut to fall out if i use too much force.

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W123 1985 300TD naturally aspirated

Nope, you certainly don't want that!!!

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Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

ughh...thanks for reminding me that my hatch struts are getting close to needing replacement. They work fine in summer months, but when the weather gets cold they have a hard time holding...

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1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)

Hey sd i got a pair of extra brand new ones i wont be needing,pm me if you'd like
thanks

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W123 1985 300TD naturally aspirated

it's amazing how heavy the hatch is, AND it's amazing how well new struts work... REALLY zings the hatch up now... and somewhat difficult to close.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I just cant get the bolt in place to hold the strut,because it is slightly moved upwards.Been messing with it for a week now.

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W123 1985 300TD naturally aspirated

I'm attempting to replace these struts. Couldn't find triple square tools locally, so tried to use an 8mm hex; too big. The 6mm hex fits and grabs the bolt, but I can't get enough torq on the thing to get it to budge.

I may order a triple square bit or driver online. Any recommendations as to what works best, i.e. driver, socket bit, t-handle, etc?

I'm also contemplating ordering a new set of bolts from the dealer as I expect that these may get stripped in the removal process...

Advice or words of wisdom greatly appreciated!

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1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)

I think I put the bit in a hand held manual impact driver.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=253956&highlight=hatch+struts

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Go to NAPA- they have xzn wrenches.

GTK! thanks.

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1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)

Well, I picked up an 8mm 3x square bit from Napa and it was too big. Took it back and will pick up a 6mm 3x square tomorrow, but the research I've done says that the 8mm bit is correct (7mm not available from Napa). I'm beginning to wonder if someone has been in there before to replace these struts and used non-standard size bolts...

Now, are 3x square, xzn, and 12-point bits all the same thing?

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1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)

Triple-square and XZN are the same, and they do have twelve "points", but are not the same as a twelve point.

Jay.

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On the road, currently:
'83 300D (German spec.) 168k mi. - - Wolfgang (tucked snugly away for the winter!)
'87 300D 375k mi. - finally went over to "The Dark Side"
'87 300TD 225k mi.
Cannondale 66cm CAAD5 w/Campy/Jamis Aurora
Hujsak Custom Fixie/Landshark Track Shark Custom/Ahearne Custom 29'er

a traditional 12 point is commonly called a torx bit, there is also a reverse 12point socket, that is a double hex with wide angles on the points.
the xzn is actually three squares, so the points have a 90° angle
all three of the above tools are different.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!