Removing top nut on strut

[Beej '86 325es]

Am I missing something very fundamental here?

The strut assy is removed and I've got a pipe wrench holding the strut shaft still, and a 19mm socket turning the nut at the top of the bearing. There's a LITTLE resistance, but it's just spinning. I'm wondering if it was tightened too tight and now the threads are stripped. Or am I just a dumbski missing something super easy?

[royalflush313]

not a solution, but I think you should have loosened the bolt before removing the assembly?

[e30sd]

use an impact, or throw an 8mm on the top nub of the shock shaft. that will keep the sucker from spinning.

[Beej '86 325es]

use an impact, or throw an 8mm on the top nub of the shock shaft. that will keep the sucker from spinning.

I thought about that. I peeked through the socket while I turned it by hand, and the nub stays still, since it's part of the shaft. I'm thinking now that the nut is stripped or something. The plastic part of the locknut threaded it's way out. I think I might have to saw the shock apart just below the upper bearing.

The other strut I didn't have any problem with at all.

[Addissimo]

Try decompressing the spring a bit, like all the way. See if all of that force will allow you to rethread the nut for a couple turns, then recompress the springs and have at it.

[mrsleeve]

inpact. or the saw method sounds like the best way

[JPL]

yes, hack saw or if like fireworks use an dremmel tool powered by an air compressor. sparks everywhere.

[Beej '86 325es]

I got the nut off...