New problem replacing shocks
 

Well, I've come across something I never expected while trying to replace the rear shocks on my 93 Eldorado. When I was loosening the nut at the top of the shock, I had it halfway off when the whole shaft just started turning with the nut. I'm calling it the shaft for lack of a better name - the threaded part that the upper nut screws onto to secure the top of the shock. Has anyone run into this problem? Is there any way to handle this? I've tried holding the top of the shaft with vise grips, which worked until the nut loosened so much that there is not room for both the visegrips and the wrench now. Does anyone know if the shaft goes down far enough for me to cut into the body of the shock lower down to grip it somewhere besides the top? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

RE: New problem replacing shocks
 

Cut off the nut.

spray with penetrating oil, then lightly tap it with a hammer ...
 

agree .. cut or grind off the nut.

it may be too late for this one .. but maybe the next time ...

always, ALWAYS, BEFORE R&R, disassembling nuts/bolt, spray with penetrating oil, then lightly tap it with a hammer.

then

always apply a bit of grease to the threads to the threads of the new parts ..
i use white lithium grease on exterior items, or 3/8 and bigger screws,
plumber's silicone grease on items exposed to water or acids,
WD40 on delicate or trim items.

but there are many choices ...



.

RE: New problem replacing shocks
 

Thanks! I thought about cutting the shaft off below the nut, but there is no room since a metal cap covers the top of the shock and the nut seems to be halfway in a recessed area on the cap. I guess I'll try cutting the nut itself somehow. Thanks for your responses.

RE: New problem replacing shocks
 

Dremel tool with a cutting wheel works wonders.