C70: Rear dampers removal?

[tony209]

Help needed! Is there a technique or special tool for removing the top strut bolt? It's the type that has the spindle with flattened sides. With a Swan neck spanner in place on the nut, I'm struggling to get a clamp on the top of the spindle. The replacements I have use an alen key - a far more sensible method.

I thought replacing the rears was going to be easier than the fronts!

[CNGBiFuel]

I got the angle-grinder out and cobbled a homebrew with an open-ender, and a home-brew channel-socket. Worked for me.

If that fails, remove the mount, and cut them out. Here I assume you've not got Nivomat. They've pricey, VERY, be a little less gung-ho.

[acshortt5]

Decent pair of pliers on the counterhold held by a helper while you hold the shock and undo the nut with the spanner. Or another solution is use/borrow an impact gun if you don't have a helper but if the nut is really stuck/rusted on it can just spin and you will have to do the counterhold/spanner combo.

[tony209]

Originally Posted by acshortt5

Decent pair of pliers on the counterhold held by a helper while you hold the shock and undo the nut with the spanner. Or another solution is use/borrow an impact gun if you don't have a helper but if the nut is really stuck/rusted on it can just spin and you will have to do the counterhold/spanner combo.

Thanks for the suggestions but there's no room for an impact gun, I have air and cordless, there's no room to get any tool in thats meaty enough to apply some force. The factory obviously have a special tool that fits through what I guess is an access porthole or a special socket for a wrench.

The nut and bolt aren't rusted, just too tight to undo with the limited amount of grip possible on the spindle top.

[tony209]

Originally Posted by CNGBiFuel

I got the angle-grinder out and cobbled a homebrew with an open-ender, and a home-brew channel-socket. Worked for me.

If that fails, remove the mount, and cut them out. Here I assume you've not got Nivomat. They've pricey, VERY, be a little less gung-ho.

I think a home made tool is the only solution. Fitting the new aftermarket dampers will be a breeze compared to the removal of the factory ones!

[acshortt5]

Is this on a C70 Convertible? On the S70 and C70 Coupe I've done I've always removed the shock with mount from the car before trying to separate the mount. I don't know how much (or lack thereof) room there is but would assume you would be able to remove the shock (I remember it was more awkward on the C70 coupe).
Spray lots of penetrating oil on the shock mount bolts as you remove them and go easy with them as they will be rusty and the captive nuts can break off making it a PITA.
FYI Nivomat top mounts can be used with standard shocks (much beefier and less likely to fail than the standard ones).

[tony209]

Originally Posted by acshortt5

Is this on a C70 Convertible? On the S70 and C70 Coupe I've done I've always removed the shock with mount from the car before trying to separate the mount. I don't know how much (or lack thereof) room there is but would assume you would be able to remove the shock (I remember it was more awkward on the C70 coupe).
Spray lots of penetrating oil on the shock mount bolts as you remove them and go easy with them as they will be rusty and the captive nuts can break off making it a PITA.
FYI Nivomat top mounts can be used with standard shocks (much beefier and less likely to fail than the standard ones).

Cabriolet there's no room at all, certainly no room to undo the mount and pull the shock through the car. These pics belay the lack of space!

[acshortt5]

Pair of molegrips locked on the counterhold (then let the grips swing round and jam in place) while you undo with the spanner if you don't want to touch the top mount.

Not ideal but there looks to be room to get a socket/rachet onto the 2 bolts and for pulling the shock you might need to compress it first (and lock in place with some cable ties or even some string - if it's old/knackered it won't take much to hold it compressed) in order to pull it up through the car.

[CNGBiFuel]

Starrett/hole-cutter thru' the lot? Frankly, it looks like you've more room than mine in there (Nivomat). You're not beaten, don't mince about. Homebrew something...

I made a bit of shonk.

[CNGBiFuel]

The usual rusted-to-F rules apply here, half-turn out / quarter-turn in, or as he ^^^ says "Captive-nut's etc will shear". Can't speak for a C70, (mine V70) but Nivomat diam. is too great to be brought thru' top, but drop easily enough. All other shox can be.