Sheared bolt off shock end

[st102688]

The Bilstein 5100 install was going well until went to remove the spring from the 2nd shock. The bolt that is used to hold back up sheared. Any advice on a secondary way to hold backup? I cut the boot back to see if I could grab the shaft but it just spun. I'm all ears since I now don't have a truck that I can drive!

Steve

 

[Richard320]

My first tool would be a strong impact gun and a full air tank. Lots of times the sudden zing of an air gun will work faster than the inertia on the shaft and spin things off.

Second tool is a drill. Right through the nut. Then split the nut with a chisel.

 

[st102688]

Thanks Richard.

Initially I did try all of my impact guns. That didn't do it for me.

I've not seen the chisel nut split solution before. Let's hope I never have to try it! Awesome to know though.

Here's what I did do though. 60v Dewalt reciprocating saw + 5 blades through the shaft. I was hoping the one half of the shaft would just pull though. BUT NO, there just had to be a flange at the bottom. What ended up working was a slight flat spot, 3 vise grips, and a 24" breaker bar.

It does seem crazy that a two year old truck has experienced this much deterioration. It was local to the strut though. None of the other fasteners I had to break were difficult at all. Perhaps water can sit in the top of the strut and accelerate the aging? I did pack the area off with grease in the event I ever need to take it apart again.