1979 300sd

Having a tough time removing the top nuts to the front shocks.
There are two nuts stacked on each other.
I used an adjustable wrench to hold the shaft in place but the nuts just won't turn counter clockwise.

https://w116shocks.shutterfly.com/pictures/9#9


Is there a special wrench?

Please advise

Stacked nuts act like a locking mechanism. What you need to do is get two wrenches. One for the bottom and one for the top. For the bottom nut, you most likely need a narrow wrench since most of the time the nut is narrow in height. Once you get the two wrenches on it, remove the top nut first than the bottom nut will easily come off.


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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

Use a large vise grip pliers to hold the shaft from spinning.

Remove the top nut first with your box end wrench (it won't slip off the hex nut as easily as the open end wrench) while using the vise grip pliers as your counterhold.

Then remove the lower hex nut in the same fashion.

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78 W116 300SD 'Desert Rose' new as of 01/26/2014
79 W116 300SD 'Stormcloud' RIP 04/11/2022

What size and type of socket do I need to remove the bottom lower shock bolts.

https://elcarro.shutterfly.com/pictures/61

You need a 12 point 10 mm socket, or a 12 point 10 mm closed end wrench like in the photo.

If I recall correctly, new bolts have blue thread locker on them. The old bolts may be stubborn to remove.

Tips:

Use a thread penetrant beforehand. It looks like you have.

Place the socket or wrench on the bolt head and tap it lightly with a hammer to get the tool to seat on the bolt head.

Place your thumb over the the tool to keep it from slipping off the head of the bolt.

It sounds counter-intuitive, but try to tighten the bolt just a bit. This can break the seal of corrosion and the thread lock seal.

Use a pipe on the end of your wrench or ratchet driver to give yourself a bit more mechanical advantage.

Push the pipe with your palm to prevent skinned knuckles. BTDT.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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78 W116 300SD 'Desert Rose' new as of 01/26/2014
79 W116 300SD 'Stormcloud' RIP 04/11/2022

Yes, it's simply a double nut deal, a locking device. Use two wrenches, or buy the special tool MB sells. The new shocks come with a lock nut, Nyloc or similar.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyloc_nut

If this is the same on 123's and 126's, as mentioned a thin walled 12 point socket works well.

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83 SD

84 CD