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I'm installing some new Spax adjustable shocks into my front struts & hit a snag tightening up the big 19mm nut on the shock pin.

You need to hold the shock pin whilst the lock nut is tightened (or loosened). However, the nut is deeply recessed in the top mount so you can't get a ring spanner on it. BMW's solution is a tool which is a deep socket with hex flats on the head. You can then get a 1/4 drive 8mm socket down through the the socket & a ring spanner on the the top of the socket.

I used pipe grips on a deep socket which worked on my E36 & on dismantling the E21 struts but on the Spax shocks you can't hold the pin with a small socket as it's the adjuster. Instead the pin is held by an 8mm spanner on two flats just below the adjuster.

I think the solution would be an O2 socket with the large side cutout. Problem is they all seem to be 22mm.

So, I'm looking to butcher a 19mm deep socket by cutting a hole in the side for the spanner. I hope the socket will still be strong enough as the O2 sockets are much strong to allow for this mod.

Anybody else done this job with Spax adjustables?

Impact driver might work otherwise weld a bar to a deep socket

I can grip the socket ok with the pipe grips - that's not the problem. Problem is getting a spanner on the shaft whilst turning the nut below it.

Can you a open end spanner over it

sounds like you need something like this..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GM-STRUT-SHOC ... 1e79cf04a9

No, the nut is too recessed. See pic.



Here's how I loosened the old nut.



However, while tugging on the nut I'm wondering if it's bottomed out on the thread. I assume there should be no play on the top mount - I can rock it slightly which is why I thought the nut wasn't fully tightened. And yes, I've got all the washers on & in the right place according to the Haynes manual & parts list.

I'm wondering if it needs another washer on under the nut?

It needs the right washers under the nut (on top of the bearing), and two under the bearing so it can move freely on the bearing, otherwise you end up ruining the rubber. See bmwfans.info for details.

If it's only to get the nut fastened and just a wrench doesn't work you can use a tool on compressed air, the shocks top won't be able to keep up anyway in that case so you will fasten it.

UPDATE: My mate has had a look & thinks the nut is bottoming out too. The bottom washer was a bit rusty at the edges so I cleaned them up & they look ok now. However, BMW is quite specific about the size (38mm x 2.5mm). Measuring the other washer it looks more like 2mm now.

Looks like I'll have to buy another couple of washers. Serves me right for being a cheapskate!

We are going ahead with modding the 19mm deep socket. Spax advise not to use an impact wrench but I'll keep it as a last resort.