What would you use for a seized Coilover adjuster?

[Klug]

Hey guys-

Just wanted to see what you guys thought about this situation I'm in. I'm starting to part back my 2008 Audi A4 (thank god) and I'm trying to sell my Koni coilovers that were on for about 30k. Suspension swap was done- but I cannot for the life of me get this one collar around the coilover to budge. I was able to get the locking collar off, but striking out with the adjuster.

1) Tried PB Blaster - FAILED
2) Tried using Kroil- which apparently is the "God of all Gods" when it comes to seized parts and $25/can - FAILED
3) Tried soaking the entire collar in ATF+Acetone overnight, which broke free the other coilover that was seized but not on this one - FAILED

I am avoiding using heat since the strut is gas filled and don't think its the best bet.

I'm striking out here, sucks since I can really only get this to crack with the stupid coilover wrenches which are garbage. I tried a chain-wrench also with no luck (mainly I can't get it in a good spot to hold)

If all else fails here, I'm going to cut it off and order replacement collar from Koni- but I'd rather not since I'm trying to sell these ASAP. And I'm asking here since the Audi forums nerds are all buttholes.

What would you do?

[kickinindian]

i would say just cut it and order a new one not worth the hastle just cut it most of the way and use a screwdriver or chisel and pop it apart.

[IronFreak]

Pee on it.

[ButtJuice]

Hammer.

[BraveUlysses]

i would still try heat and be careful to focus most of it on the collar. if not cut it off

[ajhostetter]

I had this happen on my Volvo. You need to mind-fuck the hell out of that strut. But seriously...judicious use of heat is in order

[slammin.e28]

Large pipewrench.

[IronFreak]

Blunt told me Slammin is pretty damn tight, drop him on that collar and give it a spin. It's all about that leverage.

[cale]

There's a good chance there's something stuck in the threads, pretty common for people to adjust them without cleaning them 100%. Cut it off and replace it, not worth fucking up the threads on the body.

[ak-]

Yeah there's probably grains of sand in between the threads itself. See if the collar can be ordered separate then just cut it off.

[acolella76]

Try heating it before cutting it off. Just enough to get the adjuster hot, the strut can take some heat but don't go overboard. Maybe use some kroil too. If it doesn't seem like it wants to budge then screw it and buy a new one

[TurboJake]

Heat. the aluminum will absorb it VERY fast, and the ss tube and strut won't absorb nearly as quickly. Don't hold heat to it too long. Nice and evenly.

Easy fix.

[Northern]

I'd go with heat. Wrap the area immediately next to the collar with some sort of insulation (Scotchbrite pad with aluminum tape covering it is my go-to) then stick it in the freezer for a few hours (or overnight).
Hit just the collar with a heat gun, or lightly with a propane torch to try to create enough of a difference to get it loose.

I've done shit like this at work, but mostly for trying to expand a fitting and shrink a plug/bushing for installation. It may be too seized/corroded or whatever, but it is worth a shot.

[GT BMW E30]

Pipe wrench and maybe an extended pipe on the end. Vice grip one end.

[Klug]

Thanks for all the inputs- I tried using heat today but that didn't seem to help out. It did however, boil the solvents out of the threads- which I thought it was doing something. But it didn't so I grabbed the dremel and got at it. Luckily- I didn't knick any threads. Wrapped the bad boy with some towels and got it off.

From the pics- it looked like all my solvents only really got through the first three threads. I'm guessing since it is such a tight seal, the solvents probably have to flow through one thread at a time.

Anyway- now off to buy the $50 replacement from Koni and sell these stupid things.