Top strut nut has stripped threads - how to remove it? (w/ pictures)

[RawToast]

So while disassembling my struts to replace the upper spring plate I think the p/o over torqued my top strut nut (and it's not that the threads on the nut's exterior are stripped it's the inside that I think are) and now I can't get it out. There is still a decent amount of thread that it needs to go up in order to come out - but it won't grip any of the threads; rather it spins at the bottom. Here are some pictures to explain the dilemma I'm in.

This is just giving me a headache and I have no clue what to do.


What nut I'm talking about (found this picture off Google):


My actual pictures of where I'm at:

Removed swaybar link and top 3 nuts, then swung the strut out:



The PITA nut:




What I've tried already to remove it:

[AndrewBird]

Are you sure the shock shaft isn't spinning? Sometimes it's hard to actually see it move as it is so shiny.

You might be able to take a chisel and cut the nut in half from the top. Might be hard though since you will be hammering down on the strut.

[RawToast]

Are you sure the shock shaft isn't spinning? Sometimes it's hard to actually see it move as it is so shiny.

You might be able to take a chisel and cut the nut in half from the top. Might be hard though since you will be hammering down on the strut.

Positive, had it in vice grips and checked that as well.

[ScHpAnKy]

stick a big fucking flathead in there to jam the nut, and spin the strut a few turns with the vice grips... that's what I had to do on a previous car.

[RawToast]

stick a big fucking flathead in there to jam the nut, and spin the strut a few turns with the vice grips... that's what I had to do on a previous car.

ScHpAnKy are you Sean? I think I ran into you at JG Technik's little shindig. I did a rendition of this by sticking a screw driver in between the nut and the housing and turning the strut.. nothing :\. Even tried a torch and impact gun

[noid]

A Dremel and a steady hand should be able to cut the nut off from the top.

[RawToast]

A Dremel and a steady hand should be able to cut the nut off from the top.

Any idea where I can purchase a new one? Or is this the type of nut I can just run to Home Depot for?

[noid]

Looks to be just a run of the mill nylon locking nut, home depot should have one.

BMW part number (I think) 32 21 6 769 539
M12X1.5-05 ZNS3

Should be ~$1 from the dealership.

[Kvasi]

Use one of theese

And one of theese

And one of theese

[glnr13]

Looks to be just a run of the mill nylon locking nut, home depot should have one.

BMW part number (I think) 32 21 6 769 539
M12X1.5-05 ZNS3

Should be ~$1 from the dealership.

automotive nuts/bolts aren't the same hardness as everyday steel nuts/bolts you find at hardware stores. if you can, go to an autozone or napa to get the right parts.

also a friend had the same issue, he went to harbor freight for a set of "through sockets":

[RawToast]

automotive nuts/bolts aren't the same hardness as everyday steel nuts/bolts you find at hardware stores. if you can, go to an autozone or napa to get the right parts.

also a friend had the same issue, he went to harbor freight for a set of "through sockets":

What exactly do they do / how do they work to pull it out?

[noid]

automotive nuts/bolts aren't the same hardness as everyday steel nuts/bolts you find at hardware stores. if you can, go to an autozone or napa to get the right parts.

also a friend had the same issue, he went to harbor freight for a set of "through sockets":

I dont know about the local hardware stores near you, but around here everything I seem to find is either ISO 8.8 (grade 5) or 10.9 (grade 8 ) I highly doubt the dealer/napa/autozone is using anything stronger.

[RawToast]

I dont know about the local hardware stores near you, but around here everything I seem to find is either ISO 8.8 (grade 5) or 10.9 (grade 8 ) I highly doubt the dealer/napa/autozone is using anything stronger.

We've got a Harbor Freight down here but what do they do?

[noid]

I was talking about the grade of nuts (8.8 and 10.9) not about what the others were talking about above. I am not sure how hollow sockets are going to help your situation.

[Massimo]

Use one of theese

And one of theese

And one of theese

This don't know why everyone trys to clamp the strut tube.

Anyways if the thread is indead stuffed, I would try to clamp it with vise grips and try to pull it up as you turn it.