Shock instert removal - please help!

[hiho]

I had a go at fitting new shock absorbers and springs in the front end of my golf. I got stuck removing the old shock absorber insert from the strut. Any suggestions on how to get it out???

Cheers

[Peter Jones]

They can be a bugger if they're rusted in there.

I had to use a trolley jack to extract one once, even then it only gave up after a lot of heat as well.





Pete

[hiho]

Nice bit of improvisation Peter, I like it!

I have re-installed the spring without the retaining nut for the insert and applied penetrating oil. If it doesnt go bang in the night then I'll have to do something similar to your setup.

[hiho]

ok, so now i have two passenger side struts with shock absorber inserts stuck inside them!!! My ideas to remove them so far have included:

Reinstalling the spring with the gland nut loose, hoping that the force of the compressed spring will free it.

This didnt work.

Next i will try, on an installed pair of struts, to loosen the gland nuts and then drive the car, in the hope that the damping forces will dislodge the insert. The shocks would have to be somewhat working for this method to be successful. I think they're shagged Anyway, unless any of you can disuade me, I'm going try it.

If that doesn't work then its time for a big trolly jack and a blowtorch.....

[gtimk5]

Hey Hiho, Do you want me to strap a good strut tube to the motor that is leaving tomorrow?
I have been throwing heaps of stuff out over the weekend but I am sure there is a couple of strut tubes under the bench/mess!!!

[Peter Jones]

Whereabouts in Melbourne are you?

I've got a few sets stripped down already or I could take a crack at extracting yours.

Pete

[hiho]

I love this community! Thanks guys!

Andrew, if you dont mind, and if its not going to burn the shipping budget, I would really appreciate a passenger side strut!

Peter, if I have any trouble with the struts on our other car then I may come and visit you sometime soon! I live in Brunswick West but am known to head out east occasionally.

[Jmac]

Soaking it in brake fluid is really god for releasing the corrosion, just a little tip for next time
Cheers
Jmac

[hjpks]

soaking it in diesel works as well
Cheers, Hans