The threaded cap that holds the strut in the tube. How the @#^&$( do I get it off? I've soaked it in PBlaster for several days, a few sprays each day. A pipe wrench is only tearing up the cap. I heated the tube with a propane torch until it got hot. Still can't get it to move. Any ideas?

 

a big ******* wrench is all i can say as will most. i had access to huge pair of channel locks that did the trick. http://www2.northerntool.com/product-1/200308915.htm You should get new caps with your struts so don't worry about those, just the threads in the cartridge. At least i did with my tokico blues. Anyways those suckers are on there tight, if you can get it in some sort of a vise to keep them from twisting that would be ideal.

Or you could slam a couple red bulls and get all pumped up, go freakin nuts, then kick the **** outa those caps!!!!!!!AHHHHHHHHh

 

I didn't even think to try channel locks. Thanks. I wish I had a northern tool here. I try to get to one whenever I get back to Minnesota. Found some good stuff there.

 

if you have air tools, i use an ait chisel, works great... the struts usally come with new caps, so you can tear up the old ones... yeeeaahh ;o

 

I checked and the struts did come with new caps, so destroying the old ones is ok. I have air tools and I have one of the chisel things but never used it. Maybe I'll try that. thanks

 

I prefer 2 pipe wrenches...one for contra whle the other to loosen the nut. just in case that the old insert doesnt want to come out, you can damage the strut housing if you wack it. Do it on the threaded end..install nut and use the pipe wrench as a leverage. this is where you wanna wack it.

 

I put mine in the bench vise, then get out the 24" pipe wrench. My bench vise has round jaws below the top set. When I clamp the strut housing in, I set the brake hose flange on the jaws to help keep the strut from rotating in the vise. That way I don't have to over tighten the vise and damage the strut.

 

Removed mine two days ago using this method exactly. ^^^^

 

Done. Big pipe wrench on the tube and a huge channel-lock on the gland nut. Didn't even crush any fingers between the two wrenches.

Thanks for the ideas. I don't have a very good bench vise, so that method was out.

 

just remember when you put the new strut in to put a oil around the new strut to help it dissipate heat!