How do you get this off? I can only reach it with a socket but then can't stop the rod spinning.

 

impact is the easiest way

 

I've not got access to an air supply, anything else?

 

I can't think of any real way to do it otherwise, as you need something with enough torque to overcome the fact that the damper is going to want to twist. I would not suggest trying to clamp the damper, as it interacts some rubber during it's stroke and any sort of clamp marks from vice grips, etc may tear that rubber in the short or long term

I'd suggest take the damper out in it's entirety, and maybe bring it to a local garage and see if they can just zap it off for you. It will literally take a couple seconds to do.

 

i've had luck 3 ways:

- soak the crap out of it with pb blaster the night before. try to crack it while it is still installed on the vehicle. if it breaks loose, you're good to go.

- use an angled closed end wrench to stick into the pocket where the nut is. grab the top of the spindle with vice grips (tight grip). position the spring/shock assembly on the ground so that you can torque on the nut with the vice grip forcing against the ground. enough muscle should break that loose.

- impact wrench as stated above.

 

Cheers guys, even with an angled wrench I still can't seem to get into it, it's quite deep.

I'll just take it to a garage and get them to zap it.