Help! I'm stuck with this bloody nut!

Driv3r · Postby **Driv3r** » Sat Apr 25, 2015 6:40 pm

Followed all the steps here: http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=403704

Trying to get the shock out of stock spring. Used spring compressor but cant get the middle top mount nut out. It keeps turning the shock shaft. Ive tried using other pliers to hold the metal shaft but cant fiddle much around compressed springs due to safety issues. Anyone had this problem? And how did you find a way around it? Cheers

ben wilson · Postby **ben wilson** » Sat Apr 25, 2015 6:54 pm

Have you got a rattle gun?

Driv3r · Postby **Driv3r** » Sat Apr 25, 2015 7:02 pm

ben wilson wrote:Have you got a rattle gun?

Yes, but the nut is turning the shock shaft (metal piston of the strut) with it every time i turn it to open. I cant hold the strut piston in between compressed springs. The strut bolt pattern is cut like D but I dont know if thats related. Ratchet or rattle gun keeps turning the shaft with nut together.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Sat Apr 25, 2015 7:41 pm

sounds like a previous owner dirlled out the tophats.

the tophat should be a D as well, to prevent this.

get a piece of rubber hose about the same diameter as the shock shaft.
cut to about 1inch long.
cut a slit in one side
clean rubber with metho (as in scrub and soak it)
clean as section of the shock shaft with a metho soaked rag.
put the hose piece over the shaft, clamp hard with vice grips.
soak the top nut with WD40 or whatever
try and undo using the vice grips to stop teh shaft turning.

The rubber helps the vice grips hold without marking the shock shaft (which will ƒü¢k it)

Once done spray the shock shaft with WD40 to prevent it rusting.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Sat Apr 25, 2015 7:44 pm

Just noticed you said you cant hold the shaft between the springs.

How much are you compressing them? you only need to compress them enough that you can rotate them by hand. by then there's very little tension of the top hat, not much more than a strong rubber band. (still point it away from you when undoing)

davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Sat Apr 25, 2015 8:36 pm

SWMBO says the words of the title all the time.

Driv3r · Postby **Driv3r** » Sat Apr 25, 2015 10:26 pm

hks_kansei wrote:Just noticed you said you cant hold the shaft between the springs.

How much are you compressing them? you only need to compress them enough that you can rotate them by hand. by then there's very little tension of the top hat, not much more than a strong rubber band. (still point it away from you when undoing)

Driv3r · Postby **Driv3r** » Sun Apr 26, 2015 1:50 am

I will give that a go. The middle nut is a nylon lock nut! I don't understand why would someone use that on shocks. The other three are ok only front driver side has this problem. I will take it to a local pedders store tomorrow if that didn't work.

Thanks again mate, cheers

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Sun Apr 26, 2015 3:27 pm

Driv3r wrote:I will give that a go. The middle nut is a nylon lock nut! I don't understand why would someone use that on shocks. The other three are ok only front driver side has this problem. I will take it to a local pedders store tomorrow if that didn't work.

Thanks again mate, cheers

Actually using a Nyloc is the correct way.

the centre nut/shaft is where most of the vibration and shifting is, so you should really use something like a nyloc to prevent it loosening over time.

Driv3r · Postby **Driv3r** » Sun Apr 26, 2015 8:33 pm

hks_kansei wrote:
Driv3r wrote:I will give that a go. The middle nut is a nylon lock nut! I don't understand why would someone use that on shocks. The other three are ok only front driver side has this problem. I will take it to a local pedders store tomorrow if that didn't work.

Thanks again mate, cheers

Actually using a Nyloc is the correct way.

the centre nut/shaft is where most of the vibration and shifting is, so you should really use something like a nyloc to prevent it loosening over time.

I finally got it off using a mates super expensive rattle gun. You were right, previous owner shaved the D top hats. I picked up a pair of OEM stock nut from Mazda but it's not nylon.

All worked ok thanks heaps mate.

Cheers