Hello guys,

It's been a while, but I need your help.
I have a 1999 Volvo S70 that needs new struts. However, after compressing the spring, I could not get the crossnut off after I got the counter-clockwise to release nut off that is seated above it.
Could the crossnut be a clockwise turn to release it, even thou the pitch on the actual strut threads are counter- clockwise to release?
Maybe they are just ape cranked above the 60 lbs PSI. Why do so many ape crank ...?

 

It's threaded the same, the normal direction. I don't have any special instructions except to make sure the spring is well and truly compressed.

 

Thank you.
as I expected. I just didn't want to strip the thread and really be stuck.
Thanks!

 

P.S.
Other struts have only a top nut alone, and not also a cross nut as Volvos.
I am thinking I will just cut the cross nut off and save me the hassle of it all.
It would be just as secure with the nut only.
Any comments?

 

You can buy a new one for a couple bucks. If you just cut the strut off there's no great loss, but that is hard material for sure. The top nut is a jam nut. The nuts are torqued against each other and they don't unscrew that way. That's what that is for.

 

I wouldn't drive it with just the one nut - auto manufactureers won't put a washer anyplace that abosolutely doesn't need it to save a penny or two, That nut has got to cost then a good 10 cents and then there is the robot to screw it on- if they felt they could do without, they would!
I had a nut disasapera on a new Tahoe 20years ago - the shock was destroyed by the time I discovered it so even 1 nut appliction are liable to fail.

Now, as to your initial problem;
1) PB Blaster, let sit overnight.
2) 2 feet of pipe with an inside diameter big enough to slightly slide over the handle of you wrench , try 'black pipe' for gas lines from Home Depot (I'm old enough to remember when we all had a homemade "breaker bar" in our garage).. Old age taught me the value of an impact wrench in the tool box as well. Way easier than the breaker bar, and, of course, there are all sorts of other uses for an impact wrench (rotate your own tires in 30 minutes!). I usually advise the solution that involves a new tool but the pipe works well..

 

never had an issue getting the cross nut off. A couple of strategies: 1) make your own tool. I did this by taking a metal pipe coupler (you can use a disposible socket too), cut slots in it with a grinder and used a big vice grip to grab the fitting to turn in. 2) grab the strut piston with a visegrip (no worry about scoring since you're replacing the strut) and tap one of the wings with a hammer. Its not torqued all that hard (50 ft-lbs or so) and should tap off easily. I went the home made tool route since it can also tighten.