Strut removal tool? or tech?
 

Gents:
80 SA with OE Front strut insert I want to remove.
Contemplated a neanderthal hammer-and-drver to try to knock out, but seems counter productive ;)
Top threaded "plate" that holds assy in place has 2 notches for a mystery-tool that presume slides over shock and engages the notches, then rotate off.

Does anyone happen to know of the specific tool and a supplier? Or a non-destructive technique to remove?

Thanks!
Stu A
80GS
AZ

So, I just used a pipe wrench.... ;)

Probably not the answer you wanted to hear, but it works. Only leaves a few teeth marks on the "nut" and otherwise is pretty slick. I'm sure there's a special tool for it that matches the notches, but it's probably an arm and a leg from some far off land. Might be available through Mazda if you had the part number, although unfortunately I do not that have either. j9 might though; guess we'll find out.


Oh, ok well I just realized that while I did this work for my SA, the parts I was working with were actually S2/3 parts. Might not have the same system in that case, so maybe all of this is of little use at all! Sorry for the misinformation if that's the case - hopefully it's not... Do the SA insert "caps/nuts" extend beyond the tube at all (speaking in regards to the diameter)? Because if so a pipe wrench should work fine, although if not then, well, sounds like it may be neanderthal time.

http://www.foxed.ca/rx7manual/manual...cial_Tools.pdf

Page S:5 shows a remover, damp hook nut. Basically a ring with nubs and a couple of handles.

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...serts-1146137/

Harbor freight has this

https://shop.harborfreight.com/media...mage_17531.jpg
PITTSBURGHAdjustable Pin Spanner Wrench
(553)$599

go to the hardware store and buy the comically large crescent wrench, that works very nicely.

;)
would need a grip-point, which this flush nut does not provide
:P

Stu A
80GS
AZ

Something like this. Would need to get the size and spread of the nubs. This is just example. Do a search for Spanner Socket

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sunex-2-...0206/301439326

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...900325f898.jpg

Hey, that is not bad! Looks like it would slip over the center shock-rod, to engage in the notches (if width-appropriate to engage them?). Then the Q is, how to use the tool? ie what to grip it with to rotate it and the nut? This looks like a socket-wrench tool, and the shock-rod would not permit using a socket wrench...?

Stu A
80GS
AZ

Another option.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...9fd3e0b5d0.jpg


https://www.mcmaster.com/gland-nut-w...on-the-face-9/

Nice, REPU! esp with option to use better-leverage bar. I ordered (b4 seeing this ;P )
the 'normal' handled-version. $10. dammit. This is better.
Also ordered THIS

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...46a554182.jpeg

...to try as well. Notch spacing looks to match, will just grind off extra pair.
Fingers crossed!
;)

Stu A
80GS
AZ

Gents-
follow up here -
SUCCESS in removing Gland Nut (thanks KansasCityREPU! your McMaster tool - above - was the ticket!)

So. The Nut is out, but the SHAFT remains:


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...ca907648d8.jpg

Here is the insert/assy still in the strut. Do not know if this is OE assy (which I recall is numerous separate pieces) or a complete-unit insert. "Looks" OE to me.
So. How do I remove THIS? Just keep yanking? I see a rubber seal...
and the surrounding "ring" ("?") with 2 holes for...fluid to move? or is this something I can poke a tool into to help remove?

??

Stu A
80GS
AZ

Wow, that's wild. It's been a LONG time since I had my '79, but when I replaced the inserts with Konis, I didn't run into this issue at all. I pulled the gland nut off and the (what I assumed were OE inserts) came out along with some oil.

I _might_ have some pictures from back then on a hard drive somewhere, if I find anything that looks useful, I'll post 'em.

So far as removing the insert goes, I assume you're replacing them with KYBs or similar, right? If so, I assume that a big vice grip on the strut rod at an angle, with the strut body (or appropriate wood block) used as a fulcrum would pop that sucker out of there pretty darn quick.

that's how u can tell they have never been replaced before. the insert was the replacement for the oil filled originals.

I recently replaced the inserts in my '83 GSL and they came out exactly as shown in this video (not mine):

(Hmm.. the forum appears to be eating the timestamp when embedding the video - skip to 4:40 in the video)

Basically just grabbed the end of the rod and slowly pulled everything out...
Hope that link helps.

Thanks guys - figured as much, but didn't want to do something stoopid.
These ARE (pretty sure) OE inserts. I bought a pair of these to swap in (after they get a powdercoating ;)
Will use bilstein inserts once I get this little bastid out.
Thanks for the Vid Link Kizmit!

Will post how it goes...

Stu A
80GS
AZ

Got it!
!@#$$%~! insert is out. off to powdercoat. Dumb install Qs may arise at some point...
Thank you all!

Stu A
80GS
AZ

if we could get the parts to rebuild the inserts, that would be the way to go, custom valving!

LOL - this from the guy who can rebuild a Nikki in his sleep. Me: a head scratcher to just get a self-contained replacement insert back in and reassembled!
;)
So I should not have trashed all the gaskets, nylon bits and shaft...

Stu A
80GS
AZ