[chinko]

So I guess Im put too much force and I broke the 6mm tip on top of the rear shock. It's the one you use to hold it into place and loosen the 16mm nut when removing from the trunk.

Any suggestion as to how to remove the shock now? Thinking about using vise grip, does it matter if the thread is going to be damaged? Otherwise, should I saw a line on top of the broken tip and then use a flat screwdriver to hold it into place?

[PhaseP]

Try an impact gun if you have space there and if you have access to such tool.

[chinko]

Originally Posted by PhaseP

Try an impact gun if you have space there and if you have access to such tool.

tried and unfortunately, it doesnt fit. i did the vise grip approach, it damaged the threads a bit, but i was able turn the nut. problem us the nut caught up where the thread are damaged and the whole thing is rotating. now cant use the vise grip as there isnt enough space (about 4mm). cant screw it back in either...

is it safe to drive it until I find a dremel of something to cut the top to fit a flat head screwdriver to hold it still while turning the nut?

are there any better, less hacky way of solving this?

[feuer]

Originally Posted by chinko

tried and unfortunately, it doesnt fit. i did the vise grip approach, it damaged the threads a bit, but i was able turn the nut. problem us the nut caught up where the thread are damaged and the whole thing is rotating. now cant use the vise grip as there isnt enough space (about 4mm). cant screw it back in either...

is it safe to drive it until I find a dremel of something to cut the top to fit a flat head screwdriver to hold it still while turning the nut?

are there any better, less hacky way of solving this?

I have to tell you that the dremel idea is dumb. No offence! Here is what you do: Remove the wheel, lift the car off the ground, reach and pull down the bump stop, grab the shaft will lockable vise grips, leave in the shaft, go in the trunk and loosen the nut. Done.

[chinko]

Originally Posted by feuer

I have to tell you that the dremel idea is dumb. No offence! Here is what you do: Remove the wheel, lift the car off the ground, reach and pull down the bump stop, grab the shaft will lockable vise grips, leave in the shaft, go in the trunk and loosen the nut. Done.

None taken feuer, glad you could answer, I found the dremel approach hacky (dumb if you would), but didn't know better as I never did a suspension job and my only references are diagrams. This is why I love the community, thanks for the advice, I'll do the vise grip from below.

[Speed_Addict]

Originally Posted by feuer

I have to tell you that the dremel idea is dumb. No offence! Here is what you do: Remove the wheel, lift the car off the ground, reach and pull down the bump stop, grab the shaft will lockable vise grips, leave in the shaft, go in the trunk and loosen the nut. Done.

Definitely this! But, lift the car first before you remove the wheel.... Sorry, just couldn't resist All joking aside - great advice from feuer

[chinko]

It's raining for 4 days here, is it safe to drive it? I don't have access to have a garage.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by Speed_Addict

Definitely this! But, lift the car first before you remove the wheel.... Sorry, just couldn't resist All joking aside - great advice from feuer

Yes of course, but I was referring to lifting the whole rear end because if you lift only one side the sway bar will keep the shock up.

Originally Posted by chinko

It's raining for 4 days here, is it safe to drive it? I don't have access to have a garage.

Other than knocking sound nothing much could happen.

[2010MSPORT335i]

This same thing happened to me. I took a vice grip to the strut piston and was able to get it off easily.

Need to reweld that tip on now.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by idk alex

This same thing happened to me. I took a vice grip to the strut piston and was able to get it off easily.

Need to reweld that tip on now.

Leave it, don't weld as heat might destroy the valve on the other end on the shaft.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by chinko

tried and unfortunately, it doesnt fit. i did the vise grip approach, it damaged the threads a bit, but i was able turn the nut. problem us the nut caught up where the thread are damaged and the whole thing is rotating. now cant use the vise grip as there isnt enough space (about 4mm). cant screw it back in either...

is it safe to drive it until I find a dremel of something to cut the top to fit a flat head screwdriver to hold it still while turning the nut?

are there any better, less hacky way of solving this?

A tap and die set should clean up those threads. A set can be found at any parts retailer. It's a sharp/hardened metal that is specifically designed to reshape the threads straight.

I know vice grips are a common go to for issues like this but they should only be used in a worst case scenario and with the knowledge that they will likely ruin whatever they are on, especially with regards to using them on threads.

[glachhman2]

Impact with extensions and uv joint. Should come right out.

[chinko]

Forgot to update this thread, I used Feuer suggestion and pulled down the bump stop and used vice grip on the shaft there. Works perfectly and doesn't seem to damage anything other than light scratches on it.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

A tap and die set should clean up those threads. A set can be found at any parts retailer. It's a sharp/hardened metal that is specifically designed to reshape the threads straight.

I know vice grips are a common go to for issues like this but they should only be used in a worst case scenario and with the knowledge that they will likely ruin whatever they are on, especially with regards to using them on threads.

No necessarily true if used correctly. Little piece of rubber or a rag over the shaft it will protect it enough. Additionally, if used as advised the grip will be applied on a portion of the shaft that will always be covered with the bump stop and never enter the shock assembly. So even if it gets damaged it would not even matter.

[Damian Velez]

Originally Posted by feuer

I have to tell you that the dremel idea is dumb. No offence! Here is what you do: Remove the wheel, lift the car off the ground, reach and pull down the bump stop, grab the shaft will lockable vise grips, leave in the shaft, go in the trunk and loosen the nut. Done.

i tried that but the vice grips just kept slipping, im thinking about taking a nut cutter to the top nut. do i need that mount if im installing aftermarket shocks?

[feuer]

Originally Posted by Damian Velez

i tried that but the vice grips just kept slipping, im thinking about taking a nut cutter to the top nut. do i need that mount if im installing aftermarket shocks?

That means you don’t have the vice grip not tight enough. Need to be so tight that you won’t be able to open by hand. You can cut the hut. The washer you will needs. I think I have a good order used mount in case you end up needing one. Just pay shipping cost.