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Posted by: 914 RZ-1 Feb 5 2023, 06:40 PM

I'm trying to remove the nut that hold the shock in place. I need to replace the strut.



I've tried heat, but maybe it wasn't hot enough. How hot do I get it?

I'm using an 18" pipe wrench. It's the same one I put it on with. I changed the shocks about a year ago. It will not budge. It's hard to put leverage on when it's in the vise. I even hit the wrench with a dead blow hammer. It's currently soaking in penetrating oil.

I tried using a drift and hammer to break it loose. Didn't budge.

The next step would be to use a cheater bar on the wrench. However, I'm afraid I won't be able to hold it in the vice securely enough.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

Thanks!

Posted by: r_towle Feb 5 2023, 07:03 PM

This
https://www.edoperformance.com/products/bilstein-motorsport-tool-ring-nut-36mm?currency=USD&variant=43308251021536&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsocial&utm_campaign=©+PMax+-+All+Products+(CORE)&gclid=CjwKCAiAxP2eBhBiEiwA5puhNaZ2sNUf71eTkhxnn_CHvwxwRXJmds-RZWS7qkt8NT7okdspuIvBFBoCgSAQAvD_BwE

Posted by: Superhawk996 Feb 5 2023, 07:19 PM

Can’t beat the proper tool for which it was designed.

Pipe wrench is working against you. As you try to loosen, the wrench is deforming and compressing the retaining ring deeper into the threads creating a bind.

This type of spanner will also work well - get right size for strut diameter and you may have to grind the hook to fit.


Be careful with the heat. Bilstein struts are gas charged monotubes and the heat will damage the internal seals of the floating gas piston. At its worst strut can explode if gas is heated too much.

Posted by: iankarr Feb 5 2023, 07:23 PM

Yep.

Posted by: 914 RZ-1 Feb 5 2023, 08:11 PM

The nut diameter is 54mm. What does the 36mm in this link refer to? Or is this just an example?

Posted by: r_towle Feb 5 2023, 08:22 PM

Google is your friend
https://www.fvd.net/us-en/FVD721115001/tool-for-shock-911-front.html

Posted by: 914 RZ-1 Feb 5 2023, 09:22 PM

I can't confirm that it fits my 914.

This reminds me why I used a pipe wrench. I could find the tool, but I could not confirm it was the right size or that it would fit the nut on my car.

I may go the spanner wrench route, since those are more versatile.

Posted by: Superhawk996 Feb 5 2023, 10:43 PM

Measure the Bilstein sliding strut tube - my bet is that it is about 36mm or slightly smaller so that the tool can pass over the strut and engage the two slots.

Posted by: 914 RZ-1 Feb 6 2023, 10:58 PM

It's 40mm. I would really like to know what the 36mm dimension in the tool description is referring to.

Posted by: Superhawk996 Feb 6 2023, 11:12 PM

Dang! Good thing I wasn’t betting real money on that. Could verify proper tool with Bilstein. They usually have good tech support.

Posted by: 914 RZ-1 Feb 7 2023, 07:30 PM

I have an email in to Bilstein. I'll let you all know what I find out.

I found what appears to be the right part here:
https://www.mk1autohaus.com/Bilstein-Strut-Gland-Nut-Removal-Tool-47mm_p_8039.html

But when I went to my cart, it took me to a page that redirected me to an Ebay store that is no longer active. No credit card info was entered, but I thought it was odd.

I think the dimension refers to the inside distance between the two tabs.

Prices are all over the place and most sites have no info about the dimensions.

I'd prefer to use the right tool, especially since it works with a 1/2" socket. My breaker bar is 24" long and it will provide me with lots of leverage.

However, I might have to just get a hooked spanner and use that with a piece of pipe.

Posted by: Superhawk996 Feb 7 2023, 08:02 PM

I think you’re on the right track - has to vary based on strut diameter and diameter of the nut.

Just be aware that the hooked spanners can slip off the hook especially when a pipe gets involved and you really start reefin’. They like a perfectly straight pull. Ask me how I know.

Posted by: Van B Feb 7 2023, 11:49 PM

I can’t believe no one here knows the correct tool?

Posted by: 930cabman Feb 8 2023, 05:52 AM

14" pipe wrench has worked just fine for me, maybe a bit of Mapp if necessary

Posted by: Superhawk996 Feb 8 2023, 07:46 AM

- would be funny if not so sad that suppliers can’t be bothered to actually state what diameter strut tube the Bilstein tool is for or to at least confirm it is for 914/911 sized struts. Pricing is all over the map too. Sierra Madre sells them which you would assume would be for 911/914 but they also have a little foot note that you may have to modify the tool - Really?

Who wants to pay $50 for a simple stamped tool only to find out it doesn’t fit and needs to be modified when it appears the next guy is selling the same tool for $15.

I also see Summit sells a Bilstein branded 60mm spanner wrench but that appears to be for adjusting coil over spring perches. Would probably work.

I suspect Bistein will come to his aid with a proper tool number.

Posted by: Superhawk996 Feb 8 2023, 08:05 AM

Best I’ve found - I think tool number is MS 08/6

Posted by: Van B Feb 8 2023, 11:39 AM

There are basically two version floating out there when you attempt a google search: E4-MS 08/4 and 08/6. the first link thin this thread, EDO Performance, wouldn't even allow me to order the item... said it can't ship to my Maryland address. I thought $5 was worth ordering in the blind just to confirm

I just assumed i would be welding together tools for the ball joint and strut, but I briefly had hope there was a confirmed strut option when I saw this thread... either way, I have enough 3/16" plate to make it myself lol out of spite for places that charge +$20 for stamped metal.

Posted by: Superhawk996 Feb 8 2023, 12:14 PM

You’ll have burned $20 in time / labor by the time you cut the fist piece of steel. But, I know the feeling. Not a hard tool to make at all if you can weld.

You definitely won’t like the price of the ball joint tools. I bought the Baum. It will out live me and makes me smile when using it. There is a guy on TheSamba that makes a homebrew machined version for about $45 that @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=10825 loves and recommends.

Posted by: mepstein Feb 8 2023, 12:52 PM

He’s also on pelican & early911sreg . JimmyT. One piece hardened & chromed tool steel. Snap-on quality for craftsmen prices. He’s a machinist and makes a bunch of amazing 911 parts. Also a pleasure to buy from.

Posted by: Van B Feb 8 2023, 01:05 PM

I'm listening. That ball joint tool was the main thing steering me to DIY, but $45 vs $120 is enough to make me change my mind about using Argon for that project.

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=10825 do you know if he has a listing anywhere? or do I just need to find him and send a PM?

Posted by: mepstein Feb 8 2023, 01:16 PM

I would send him a pm.

Posted by: 914 RZ-1 Feb 13 2023, 10:16 PM

I bought both the tool from JimmyT and the wrench from Bilstein.

Bilstein tool is #E4-MS08/6. It's 47mm between the tabs, about 54.5mm ID (just fit around the shock tube) and 86.5mm OD. It's 4mm thick.

I ended up using a pipe wrench and a friend to get the nut off. It was really tight. I held the strut in the vise to keep it from twisting while he leaned on it with a pipe wrench. I could not get enough torque on the nut by myself, as the strut is awkward to hold and twists, even in a vise. I also bent the Bilstein tool a little. It didn't help that the recesses on the nut were f'd up from me hitting them with a chisel.

The ball joint tool for Jimmy is awesome. I paid $55.36 shipped. I used an air impact and it came right off.
His contact info: jim@tidwell.org

Posted by: Van B Feb 13 2023, 10:19 PM

Thank you for posting that up! You just saved me time and money!

Posted by: 76-914 Mar 13 2023, 08:54 AM

Got this adjustable gland nut wrench for $10.50 free shipping.

Posted by: mepstein Mar 13 2023, 09:05 AM

That looks like a good tool.
I’ve removed dozens of the gland nuts from old struts. Clamp the caliper mounting plate in a vise and twist the nut off with a large pipe wrench. Add some heat with a torch if it’s really stuck on there. Works ever time.

Posted by: 76-914 Mar 13 2023, 09:50 AM

Being a plumbing contractor, I too have always done this but at this price I couldn't pass it up. Besides the fact that I'm a certified tool whore.

Posted by: VaccaRabite Mar 13 2023, 11:47 AM

Things change of course over time, but the school of thought on this was that you used a pipe wrench to take it off, and the special tool to reinstall.

The issue being that the special tool was not hardened enough and and a really stuck on nut would wipe it out. The pipe wrench will put marks in the nut, but it will get the damned thing off.

I just have a big assed pipe wrench from when I needed to do it.

Zach

Posted by: 76-914 Mar 13 2023, 12:12 PM

If it is the big steel one used on Boge's I wouldn't hesitate to use a big pipe wrench. I have them going up to 48" . But if it is the aluminum one on the Bilstein insert it would only be a last resort action on my part. A pipe wrench offers incredible grip & torque but impact is more effective and inflicts less damage when loosening corroded bolts and nuts. I would try a blunt cold chisel and large hammer before going to the pipe wrench approach. In order for impact to be effective the part (s) need to be rigidly help in place with no way for them to move when impacted. This is where most people get it wrong. A good example of this is when someone is holding the part in their hand rather than in a vice when striking.

Posted by: Van B Jan 22 2024, 06:09 PM

This thread came up via google so I thought it worth posting…

Get it while you can! $6 and free shipping!

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein-parts/strut-cap-gland-nut-wrench/tms189771/


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Posted by: technicalninja Jan 22 2024, 06:18 PM

Thanks for posting!
Just ordered one.
How can they ship a $6 item for free???

Posted by: Rufus Jan 22 2024, 07:08 PM

Corroded nuts & bolts? … penetrating oil? I’ve been using this successfully for 20+ years:


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Posted by: Superhawk996 Jan 22 2024, 07:43 PM

Thanks . . . I think . . . Ended up spending another $160 on oil change supplies for the X5 and a DEF funnel

Shoulda’ stopped at the $6 tool and free shipping but couldn’t help myself

Posted by: Superhawk996 Jan 22 2024, 07:44 PM

Cause’ idiots like me

Posted by: Van B Jan 22 2024, 07:55 PM

Ha! Yeah, I got away with one on that purchase...