Removing topmount nut

[Splinter]

If anyone is around, i need some help real, real quick.

I did search, but I cant find this out...

When I try to loosen the topmount nut, the bolt its on just rotates. I cant figure out any way of holding the bolt still while I turn the nut.

I dont have a 17mm wrench... only sockets.

I do have a bit that fits inside the bolt tho

[Splinter]

bah... I got it.

Held the socket in some molegrips and put the bit through the hole.

[jamal]

that's what worked for me. You can also usually break them loose when the car is still on the ground. I had to do the vice grips thing to tighten one of them.

[rallysam]

Both of those solutions are good. The other thing you can do is use an impact wrench, since the impact action tends to break the nut loose while the inertia of the damper shaft holds it still (at least for a second).

[drftsub]

You can also buy a set of nylon jaw "channellock" type plyers that you can hold the shaft with to keep it from spinning, makes sure the shaft is clean first. Can help on the stubborn ones that dont want to come off.

[soloracer]

Of cousre if you're just trashing the old struts clamp the channel locks on the shaft and have at it, the teeth marks add character... New/ Salvageable struts may require a more delicate touch...

[AWD_addict]

Rags under visegrips on the shaft will prevent teeth marks. Putting them on as far up the shaft as possible (so they are on part of it that never goes into the strut) could help too.