Hex Head Broke on to Shock Shaft! Help!

WhiteFury · 04-09-2014, 08:30 PM

So I was removing my shocks to install better bump stops, when I put my open then wrench on the nut and used my ratchet to tighten the hex head of the shock shaft it broke!

Somehow I accidentally forgot to put the retaining cushion guard back in but it goes right before the top nut and washer.

I tried using a dremel to cut a slit in the top of the now broken shaft top to get a flat screw driver in there, too tight I cant get the nut off!

Do I have any other way to do this?

jwzimm · 04-09-2014, 09:18 PM

Impact driver should be able to crack the nut loose. Then it is time for a new shock.

rowingone · 04-09-2014, 10:35 PM

put your spring compressor on the installed spring and undo the bottom of the shock and turn it from the botttom?

WhiteFury · 04-09-2014, 11:20 PM

I just cut the top slit deeper and wider. Wedges a flat piece of steel in there. Broke the nut loose.

I had to cut the bump stop type washer cushion and then slipped it around the shaft and torqued the nut probably less than it should but its snug.

The nut will not be able to ever come off now. So when I get new shocks next time I will have to cut the shaft behind the wheel LOL

All seems ok now. Just had to rig it up.

parksjm7 · 05-26-2015, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteFury

I just cut the top slit deeper and wider. Wedges a flat piece of steel in there. Broke the nut loose.

I had to cut the bump stop type washer cushion and then slipped it around the shaft and torqued the nut probably less than it should but its snug.

The nut will not be able to ever come off now. So when I get new shocks next time I will have to cut the shaft behind the wheel LOL

All seems ok now. Just had to rig it up.

Hey OP. My hex broke as well last night

I think I have an idea of what you did, but wanted to see if you would have some pictures.

Right now I'm planning to dremel the top mount nut and replace the mount - gives me reason to go with the dinan upgrade.

feuer · 05-26-2015, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parksjm7

Hey OP. My hex broke as well last night

I think I have an idea of what you did, but wanted to see if you would have some pictures.

Right now I'm planning to dremel the top mount nut and replace the mount - gives me reason to go with the dinan upgrade.

pull the bushing and dust cover down and grab the shock shaft with vise-grips

04-09-2014, 08:30 PM	#1
WhiteFury Boooost! 70 Rep 793 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 Dodge Charger ... [0.00] 2011 BMW 335i [4.80]	Hex Head Broke on to Shock Shaft! Help! So I was removing my shocks to install better bump stops, when I put my open then wrench on the nut and used my ratchet to tighten the hex head of the shock shaft it broke! Somehow I accidentally forgot to put the retaining cushion guard back in but it goes right before the top nut and washer. I tried using a dremel to cut a slit in the top of the now broken shaft top to get a flat screw driver in there, too tight I cant get the nut off! Do I have any other way to do this? __________________ JB4 Stage 2 \| Injen CAI \| BMW PE \| AR Catless DP \| Alpina TCU Flash \| Eibach Pro Kit \| Custom TCKline Koni's \| 19" M359 Wheels \| DWS Tires
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04-09-2014, 09:18 PM	#2
jwzimm Colonel 687 Rep 2,770 Posts Drives: '16 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Renton, WA iTrader: (17)	Impact driver should be able to crack the nut loose. Then it is time for a new shock. __________________ 2008 Honda S2000 - Current 2016 F80 M3 - SOLD!! 2011 e92 X-Drive Coupe - SOLD!!
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04-09-2014, 10:35 PM	#3
rowingone Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 212 Posts Drives: 2006 330 xi Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: colorado iTrader: (0)	put your spring compressor on the installed spring and undo the bottom of the shock and turn it from the botttom?
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04-09-2014, 11:20 PM	#4
WhiteFury Boooost! 70 Rep 793 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 Dodge Charger ... [0.00] 2011 BMW 335i [4.80]	I just cut the top slit deeper and wider. Wedges a flat piece of steel in there. Broke the nut loose. I had to cut the bump stop type washer cushion and then slipped it around the shaft and torqued the nut probably less than it should but its snug. The nut will not be able to ever come off now. So when I get new shocks next time I will have to cut the shaft behind the wheel LOL All seems ok now. Just had to rig it up. __________________ JB4 Stage 2 \| Injen CAI \| BMW PE \| AR Catless DP \| Alpina TCU Flash \| Eibach Pro Kit \| Custom TCKline Koni's \| 19" M359 Wheels \| DWS Tires
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