Re: Upper strut bearing is killing me!

[trnsfrma@ix.netcom.com (Shawn C. Meze)]

At 06:48 PM 2/24/97 -0800, you wrote:
>Hey all:
>
>        I need to replace my upper strut bearing on my '81 but having a
>hard time getting the top nut off.
>        I have the type with a nut on a threaded bolt which ends in a round
>post with two sides squared off so that an open ended wrench (about 8mm)
>would fit but not a socket.  I don't have the type which can be removed
>with an allen wrench.  I bought an offset, Snap-On socket with one side
>partially open for holding the nut steady but the socket isn't deep enough
>and there isn't enough room left on the top or sides to get a wrench on the
>threaded bolt.  I tried doing this a long time ago on my '81 S and ran into
>the same problem and ended up rounding the sides.
>        So what have you guys out there done?  I thought about cutting a
>groove so I could use a screwdriver but I don't think I can get enough
>torque on it.  Or can I drill a hole and pound an allen wrench into it?
>Also, I don't want to ruin it so that a shop won't be able to work on it in
>case I have to go that route.  Is there a company that makes an offset
>wrench which is deep enough to get into the depression in the strut
>bearing?  Thanks for any help, benton-------
>
>YbOeSnHtIoDnA


The easiest route for you is to take them to a shop and use an impact wrench to 
remove the nut. its quick and easy. Unless your gonna replace the struts, then 
you can simply put a set of vice grips on the rod and break the torque on the 
nut. 
VW makes a tool for these struts but as you know, its expensice and you will 
only use it twice. Id go for the impact wrench method.


Shawn
--
To subscribe or unsubscribe, send email to scirocco-l-request@privateI.com,
with your request (subscribe, unsubscribe) in the BODY of the message.