okay so i took out both rear struts expecting to just pop off the top piston bolt holding down the mounting platebut when i started turning the 14mm bolt, the plate would turn with it, so i held down the plate but then the little stick thingy that the bolt was holding on to was turning as well, so i called my friends, had one hold the plate, had one to hold down a plier ( a big one ) clamped onto the freakin little top part with a little tread, and then started turning it with my ratcheting wrench. then i got one off, switched the springs, then started the other side, but on the other side, i broke the top little meal part and i cant grab on anything anymore... my question is, is the struts supposed to be like this or what? the bottom of the strut wasnt turning when the bolt was turning. im furious with my damn strut...

 

use some vise grips next time.but to tighten it you a decent sized vise around the shaft to keep it from moving

 

DO NOT DO THIS. Trust me, I learned the hard way.

 

You're supposed to loosen it before you take the struts off. (loosen, not remove)

 

on the rear of the car, the shock shaft will spin freely. the best way is to use a air gun, this way you turn the nut so fast and make power almost instantly. this pops the nut loose really quick.

 

umm do u so u took the strut off the car..and then used some spring collapsers right? I hope so? Its easier and A LOT MORE SAFE than trying to hold the springs with vise grips... I used then and it was a pretty easy job and didnt take long at all.

 

who said anything about hold the springs with vise grips?and about the airtool its not the turnin fast that does it its the sudden impact that loosens it.also 19maxima are the springs on yet or are you tryin to get it off.if you already finished nvrmind