Found socket to remove "+" shaped strut nut

blandis · Post by **blandis** » 09 Apr 2016, 17:35

Did struts on wifes car today. The "+" shaped nut that many struggle with I used a motorcycle clutch bipolar socket on. Worked like a charm. I put it on my cordless impact and both came right off.

Had this in my toolbox from previous work on bikes, quads and carts. Sure they can be had on ebay for a bit of nothing.

Pictures of the nut and the tool are below.

Post by **jreed** » 10 Apr 2016, 06:13

Thanks. Looks helpful!

The clutch spanner sockets look like they are ~20mm on one end and ~24mm on the other, with a 1/2" drive. Which size did you find fit the "+" nut best?

blandis · Post by **blandis** » 10 Apr 2016, 07:40

Not sure what the sizes each end are, but the larger end fit. Did a quick search on ebay found several options for less than $7 shipped. Not sure what a tool cost to remove this but made life easier.

Jreed, live in Dallas currently. Still have our place in Beaufort/Havelock area. Used to drive to RDU quite a bit to catch a direct flight, did not like connecting out of New Bern. Miss the coast.

blandis · Post by **blandis** » 10 Apr 2016, 07:43

Only issue I could see running into is if there is to much of the end of the strut where it is threaded that sticks up into the socket. Would not allow you to get the 1/2" socket drive into the socket.

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 10 Apr 2016, 20:46

FCP sells this tool https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... l-cta-a446. It's $17.99. It felt pretty solid but it snapped on me when I tried to use it swap out some struts this past summer. (Original OEM struts.) If this tool works better, talk about significant savings!

Post by **erikv11** » 10 Apr 2016, 23:10

Big ole channel locks work pretty well too, or even a pipe wrench, but this looks like a nice, dedicated and inexpensive tool.

Post by **abscate** » 11 Apr 2016, 05:24

I've got the strut tool available to anyone in the Northeast FYI

kaneelschep · Post by **kaneelschep** » 11 Apr 2016, 05:40

It is nice to see a dedicated inexpensive tool for it!
There are a few videos online wich show you the DIY way quite well too though.
You of course have the screwdriver and hammer way. Crude but it just works.
An other uses I think an 11mm o-wrench wich fits perfect over one arm of the cross. An 11mm pipewrench would work perfectly too.
The last uses a large long socket with the corners cut out. But it has to be long and big enough for the shock thread.
Even less expensive ways

I recently did the spring seat swap myself on both sides with a combination of the first two. no hassle actually.