Stripped the allen wrench socket out the top of my strut...

[CDangerfield]

I was lowering my del sol today and stripped the allen wrench hole out of the top of my rear strut. It had been completely rusted out -___-
Is there anything I can do to fix this without having to replace the strut?

[Berta]

Might could try using a strong impact.

[sang]

Might could try using a strong impact.
x2

[CDangerfield]

On top of the strut, there is a 14mm nut over an allen wrench socket. You have to hold the socket in place with the allen wrench while you unscrew the 14mm nut. And even if I got that off, I would be reusing that strut and have to replace the 14mm nut while using the same method with the allen wrench. An impact gun would do anything for me :/

[Sinfix_15]

id love to meet the person who invented allen wrenches so i could punch him in the face.

[georgieboi]

On top of the strut, there is a 14mm nut over an allen wrench socket. You have to hold the socket in place with the allen wrench while you unscrew the 14mm nut. And even if I got that off, I would be reusing that strut and have to replace the 14mm nut while using the same method with the allen wrench. An impact gun would do anything for me :/

Impact will do it, I've had this problem many times

[PTCDC5]

Absolute worst case scenario you can use a Dremel to cut a slot across the fastener. Then use a very wide flat head or something to that effect to hold it still.

[CDangerfield]

Well I guess I'm stuck...I don't have an impact, and a shop is trying to charge me my left nut...new strut it is!!!

[JGilbert312]

I used vice grips when mine did this, locked on under the nut somewhere and held it

[j0nbunklah0m]

Absolute worst case scenario you can use a Dremel to cut a slot across the fastener. Then use a very wide flat head or something to that effect to hold it still.
I'd do this before i bought a new strut, jussayin.

[gsrteg]

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x45/whoasnoopy/IMAG0566.jpg

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x45/whoasnoopy/IMAG0567.jpg

But you have to spray some WD-40 or PB Blaster to loosen up the rust. But eventually the nut will get stuck at the end. Just cut the nut in half. and pry it off.

[gsrteg]

if you use a vice grip, you'll end up stripping the threads... I had same scenario on a lower sway bar that had McAllen slot (it stripped too). I ended up cutting the whole thing off, because everything was rusted, and I replaced it with a new set up.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x45/whoasnoopy/IMAG0059.jpg

[RBS]

if it is rusted that bad you either can clamp vise grips on the shock shaft somewhere OR cut off the nut entirely. either method will pretty much ruin the shock... but as it is rusty anyways just replace it ;)

[i4_garage]

:bigsmilie

[CDangerfield]

Thanks guys! The nut wasn't rusted, the allen wrench socket was. I ended up drilling it out and using an extractor tool to hold it hahaha. WORKED LIKE A CHARM!

Before:
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz21/rossklogsdon/PART_1340407773950.jpg

After:
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz21/rossklogsdon/PART_1340407772911.jpg