So im trying to replace the springs on my S4, So i remove the shocks on the rear wheels and did not loosen the center nut on top of the strut when it was still in the car so now that Im trying to remove that nut I CAN'T because it spins with the strut rod. Is there a specific way to remove it? has anyone had this problem, how you solved it? yes the spring is already compressed, and tried holding the end of the strut with vice grip pliers and its really frustrating. Have not tryed heating it up because theres rubber all around nut.
PLease help!

 

Get a piece of hose that is the size of the diameter of the shaft of the shock...Split the hose,so that you can wrap it around the shaft.then get a pair of Vice grips and lock it onto the hose9that way the vice grips don't leave a mark on the shaft and damage it)..That will stop the shock's shaft from moving so you can get the Nut off.

 

There's a decent amount of pressure on the spring so once the nut comes off it may shoot across the shop. You will need a spring compressor to reassemble and it doesnt hurt to have it installed for the disassembly.

Like was stated before, vise grips on the strut shaft and a good impact gun should get it off. If not, heat the nut until the plastic starts to ooze and then try it.

 

will try 2morrow

 

you can put it back together and remove the nut first the lift your car off the floor to avoid spring compressors or just remove the whole assembly ( springs/struts) and put it into a duffel bag then remove the top nut.