shock insert cap

[s2_wot]

Currently changing my shocks. I can't get this cap off with one strut. Has anybody seen a tool that will engage the hex shape at the top of the cap. Any ideas / photos / info appreciated.

Shane

[WidowmakerS2]

Yeah, there is a tool for that job. I got one at a local shop for £10.

[andy10v]

Currently changing my shocks. I can't get this cap off with one strut. Has anybody seen a tool that will engage the hex shape at the top of the cap. Any ideas / photos / info appreciated.

Shane

Mike's site has info on the proper tool

http://www.s2-audi.co.uk/tech_articles/front_shocks.htm

However one of these has never failed me yet, use it with another wrench to stop rotation whilst you stand on it or clamp it in a vice and just wind it off. (my pipe wrench is a good few feet long, if you have a short one then a pipe may come in handy for leverage).

[s2_wot]

thanks guys

The other three wound off with relative ease using the pipe wrench method. I was concerned when I couldn't open the last one because the clamping force of the pipe wrench is locking the threads so to speak. If it's a case of just apply more power I'll manage that.
I'll get one of those vag tools if I can pick up a replica online somewhere.

OT is Mike on here? I remember contacting him before I bought my car, he was selling his at the time.

[DJones]

I had one that was stuck fast.. i just ran a junior hacksaw across the cap without touching the threads and it split open when i put the wrench on it and came of no problem.

[andy10v]

The other three wound off with relative ease using the pipe wrench method. I was concerned when I couldn't open the last one because the clamping force of the pipe wrench is locking the threads so to speak. If it's a case of just apply more power I'll manage that.
I'll get one of those vag tools if I can pick up a replica online somewhere.

OT is Mike on here? I remember contacting him before I bought my car, he was selling his at the time.

I was a bit worried about compression but have always been able to unwind them, though one time it took a combined 30+stone with leverage to get it to move.

DJones solution is as usual much more elegant and efficient.

Mike is on here as mikes2 iirc.

[s2_wot]

A couple of good solutions there guys thanks again. Another would be to cut the top of the piston off the old shock allowing me to get an old 33mm nut down into the slot and open it with a spanner. I'll try more leverage 1st, then failing that I'll see if replacement parts are still available and just cut the old part as described by DJones.

I can't find the VAG 2069 A tool anywhere at the right price so the other solutions win.

Many Thanks

Shane

[Error404]

i'm with Darren, just split the cap with a hacksaw and it peels right off, done this a few times now

[s2_wot]

replacement cap

The replacement cap is about €15 from the local stealer so that seems like the best solution at this time.

Thanks again,

Shane

[s2_wot]

happy ending

Thanks again folks, it's a great feeling taking the hacksaw to something every now and again.

Shane

[Mikes2]

I got the shock tool from Samstag Sales in the US.

http://www.samstagsales.com/

[goodall]

Tried the stilson, worked on one but was causing the cap to bend and bind with the threads, so decided that more force meant more clamping on the threads. Decided a different approach was needed

I got a scrap of 4mm plate about 10 inch long and 2 inch wide tacked on with to decent spots of weld, used a hammer hit end bit metal to free the cap, turned 2 or 3 turns then just pulled it upwards and down few times to break the welds. Took the cap of rest way by hand and then ground welds down and re used them, using the stilson to tighten

sorry, too late for the reply to be of any use but thought I'd share