i got the strut off the car and i searched a bit but cant find any advice, my question: is it ok if when removing the top center nut the piston spins or need to hold the piston from spinning?

 

Vice grips to hold the piston in place

 

Um, if youre going to use vise grips, make sure to slide down the bump stop and grip the shaft high near the mount. Otherwise you risk blowing the strut when it compresses.

 

ya thanks Its done. Used vice grips up in the top of the mount with cloth, scratched up a little but hopefully its within the bumpstop when fully compressed. thanks.
BTW... the ride is much quieter now!

 

btw, for future reference i found it easier if you loosen the top nut while the strut is still on the car and nothing is compressed. Basically the first thing is to open the hood and loosen the top nut a bit. Worked for me.

edit: by nothing is compressed = you didn't take out the springs and compress them and then try to take off the nut. Leave the strut/spring as normally would on the car like you were going to drive the car.

 

That's the same way I did it when I replaced my struts last year. That center nut may require less tourge than the mounting nuts but it couldn't be easier to loosen it before removing the struts.

 

yup... I realized this once it was off...
But I cant believe how much better it rides now.