Today I attempted a spring install on my '09 GTS on the front struts following Blacksheep's how-to and the RRM Youtube video. The removal of the strut assembly was no problem, however after putting the spring compressors on I attempted to remove the 17mm nut at the top of the strut holding the insulator in place. I do not have an impact gun, so I was using a torque wrench. I began to ratchet and the nut would not loosen, however it would continuously spin what appeared to be the whole shock assembly. No amount of WD-40 helped at all. The nut now can be torqued both ways, and does not appear to get any tighter or looser. I attempted on both sides but neither 17mm nut could be taken off.

Due to time issues, I did not replace the springs and put both struts back on to the car. Now when I am driving I hear a clanking noise coming from the front end of the car. I've retorqued all involved nuts, however the top 17mm nut on both struts is still loose and will not tighten.

Please advise if there is anything that can be done about this, or if the shock is now damaged. Is there any other way to remove this 17mm nut so I can do the spring install later?

 

take a pair of vise grips and clamp on the top of the threaded section, there is that flat part,,,clamp there. hold tight and break lose. install the same way.keep the vise grips on there til nut is off due to it being a locking nut.

 

oh and you did get the spring compressors that you can rent at autozone or where ever,,,if not you aint going to be able to do that yourself,you will have to go and get the springs pressed back on.

 

Ok great i will try that method thank you. However there is still the current problem of the noise i hear coming from my suspension when am driving. Have I completely screwed up the shock now? or is the part of the shock that the nut threads on to supposed to spin? can anyone do an online diagnosis??

 

yea it spins, thats the reason for the flat part,if its spins real easy that might not be good.

 

Take pics bro i dont think you know what your saying. But i think i know what your problem is.

 

using a vice grip will do the trick.

 

I've never had a good experience with vise grips. Once you mess up threads, you'll have to re-thread or replace.

It's probably too late now but I'll put in my 2 cents anyway. Before removing the strut from the strut tower, break the 17mm nut while it is still attached to the strut tower. This way, you will have both hands to use. The springs are not loaded too much and a spring compressor is probably not necessary but doesn't hurt.

Harbor freight has electric impact guns for about $50. Worth the investment.

 

Thanks for the help guys. I tackled the rear springs on tuesday and on wednesday I did the fronts. I had spring compressors which helped. I used vice grips as any mentioned the hardest part what fitting the 17mm wrench between the vice grips and nut. all in all it was a pretty long do it your self but at least i saved some money and didnt have to go to the mechanic. I did the install all by my self in around 3-3 1/2 hrs. The good news is the loud clanking sound has stopped.

 

good to hear. trying to find rear springs for mine cause i got a loud squeak back there and people said maybe the springs, so im going to change shocks and hopefully springs if i can find any.

 

does anyone know if i install a set of lowering springs on my 2010 gts if it voids the warranty?

 

Call a Mitzi dealer and ask probably your best bet

 

ya? that was so much help. thanks mr obvious, a lil to late at night for that tho

 

Sorry I didn't know you were changing them in the middle of the night, my mistake but if your planing to mod your car warranty shouldn't concern you just like the other 99% of people on here. How ever I'm pretty sure it will

 

On a side note do coil overs instead get much better results.