[s-cars] Stripped hex head on Koni Strut! Any help?

[J. Khang]

John,

You could try rebuilding the socket with epoxy. Get
the two-part putty type that is used for exhaust pipe
repair.

Mix the two parts up properly, with some fine sand (up
to 40% by weight) if you can to make a composite, then
put that into the damaged socket. Then press the
square end, not the ball end, of the Allen key
concentrically into the soft mix to make a new socket.
Remove the Allen key and let the epoxy set for 24
hours before trying it.

I've not done this before but it might work and is
certainly worth a try if you're going to replace a
perfectly good shock absorber instead.

Jonathan

> > At 09:06 AM 5/16/2006, jpb3 wrote:
> > >All,
> > >Unfortunately the hex portion on top of the Koni
strut has been 
> pretty much
> > >stripped away and I need to hold it so I can R&R
the 2B spherical 
bearing.
> > >I was using a 6mm Craftsman hex socket, the same
used to install 
the
> > >suspension system initially but it seems as
though the metal used 
in the
> > >strut is pretty soft.  I started rounding it out
when I tried to 
> tighten it
> > >up to see if it cured the noise, it turns out
that 2B just sent me 
a new
> > >bearing assembly b/c that did not work.  I
stopped tightening it 
> as soon as
> > >it started slipping but when I went to loosen it
it was already 
> too late and
> > >the hard metal of the socket just chewed through
the strut.
> > >
> > >I do not want to purchase a new strut(or 2) so
does anyone have 
> a suggestion
> > >on how I can hold this thing in both directions?
( ie...loosening 
and
> > >tightening) I have visited Sears tool dept and
most extractors 
only "bite"
> > >to remove such a problem and do not grip for the
tightening 
> portion.  I have
> > >considered welding a nut on top of the strut but
forsee problems 
with that
> > >solution as I only have a stick welder and it's
not too precise!  
Gripping
> > >the shaft of the strut seems improbable as it
would lead to a 
scored strut
> > >and seal failure I would think.  Any suggestions
out there?  TIA
> > >
> > >John B


Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com