KurtB Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 (edited) And just as the "Group Buy" thread wraps up... Had a go at loosening the top mounts of the struts (the alleged 12mm). It seems that an 11mm spanner is too small and a 12mm spanner is too big!! Can't find an imperial spanner that would fit, although as its jap I imagine it would all be metric anyway. If I try using the 12mm I'm confident I will just round it off. And I'd rather not cut apart the old strut if I can help it. I've removed the blanks next to both of them and applied WD40, with no success. So, any ideas? Easy straight-forward job eh?! If not I will have to resort to the adjustable (shudder!) Cheers! Edited April 14, 2014 by KurtB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KurtB Posted April 14, 2014 Author Share Posted April 14, 2014 Oh, I've also tried undoing them whilst under no load, full weight of the boot, and in between! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy_Baton Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 Might not help, but I couldn't get the strut off the ball joint so I just snapped the ball joint and then untwisted the nut by hand. I'm not Hercules, the nut was loose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike k-g Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 I had similar with mine also ...spanner was tricky size try useing a good quailty 12mm spanner like snap on. Mike K_g Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudman Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 Had a go at fitting my upgraded ones for spoiler but had similar issues - car was due at Abbey a few days after I got them so asked Scott to cover it for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedon Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 I used a bog-standard adjustable spanner which did the trick - perhaps luckily the old bolt wasn't too tight. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isource-isell.co.uk Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 (edited) Take off the bottom bracket first then lift up the strut until it goes tight on the ball / top bolt then use the strut as a bloody great spanner, worked for me after a 30 min soak of wd40, good luck Edited April 14, 2014 by isource-isell.co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KurtB Posted April 14, 2014 Author Share Posted April 14, 2014 Thanks for all the replies, will give them a try on my next day off Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dicky Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 Never tried this but heard it works. If the spanner or socket is a bit slack put a layer or possibly two of aluminium foil over the nut then push your spanner or better still socket over it and onto the nut. The foil is supposed to take up the slack. Sounds plausible ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KurtB Posted April 19, 2014 Author Share Posted April 19, 2014 (edited) Nothing worked Any more force and they will probably round off. Edited April 23, 2014 by KurtB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawker1986 Posted April 20, 2014 Share Posted April 20, 2014 I had the same problem when we got our Zed, couldn't get it off for love nor money. Took it to Nissan they did it for £25 (this was before I found CS or would have gone to them) but just get some help better than the boot lid falling on your head! Hawker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmck13 Posted April 20, 2014 Share Posted April 20, 2014 And that will hurt its like Madam guillotine coming down on you, if you get the right meaning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KurtB Posted April 21, 2014 Author Share Posted April 21, 2014 (edited) I had the same problem when we got our Zed, couldn't get it off for love nor money. Took it to Nissan they did it for £25 (this was before I found CS or would have gone to them) but just get some help better than the boot lid falling on your head! Hawker Now I've calmed down, I think I may look at getting that done. Oh the shame of getting a garage to change some boot struts for me! Edited April 21, 2014 by KurtB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KurtB Posted April 21, 2014 Author Share Posted April 21, 2014 I had the same problem when we got our Zed, couldn't get it off for love nor money. Took it to Nissan they did it for £25 (this was before I found CS or would have gone to them) but just get some help better than the boot lid falling on your head! Hawker Now I've calmed down, I think I may look at getting that done. Oh the shame of getting a garage to change some boot struts for me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cs2000 Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 Not sure why yours are so bad! Mine were just nipped up nicely. Some cars have loctite on the threads, but this can usually be loosened with a little heat. Something like a kitchen blowtorch or a gas soldering iron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarahhp18 Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 Mine came of easily enough, removed bottom bracket then pushed boot lid as high a poss would go then removed top socket. Well looked easy as I watched my boyfriend do it !! lol 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KurtB Posted April 23, 2014 Author Share Posted April 23, 2014 (edited) Finally!!! That was emotional It took a lot of WD, force and swearing but we finally got them! Once they cracked off they come out easily by hand, new ones were on in 5 minutes. I made sure the new ones aren't torqued up to infinity NM Edit - oh by the way, no garage / professionals required haha Edited April 23, 2014 by KurtB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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