hepkat63

Hi all,
just started to put my new KW v1 coilovers in. Done the first one on the front, but I am stuffed if I can work out how to torque up the top shocker nut to 40ft as recommended?
Every time you turn it, the whole top part of the shocker moves. I have tried holding it (fail), vise grips holding it (fail), so I just did the nut up with an impact driver - no idea if the torque is right - probably not.
So, any tips ? Would like to get the torque right.
regards
steve

robt964

Is the top of the shocker shaft not keyed where it protrudes through the top bolt? I seem to recall my V3's had an external hex key so that a regular socket can hold it still? memory is vague tho..

hepkat63

yes, it has a hex fitting in the middle where the nut goes on , so are you saying to hold the 22mm nut with a spanner and then torque up via the hex ?

robt964

That's it

FeralComprehension

Almost. Turn the nut, hold the shaft.

Bernard

I read it should be 59ft/Ib I'm doing my install this weekend and would like to find the correct info. Thanks

I also saw you can use an 02 sensor removal tool if the top nut is 22mm? to torque the nut. Will try that and report back this weekend.

BHCfarkas

I pray you didn't use the vise grips on the shock shaft... you just ruined your new coilovers if you did.

hepkat63

hmm, not sure how you're supposed to to that - can't quite picture holding the shaft with a hex nut key and trying to turn the nut at the same time - let alone torque it to 40 feet?

Can someone that has done this before perhaps post a picture please?

HalV

There are a few different ways to accomplish this task, but the recommended way is to use a Hazet style socket (see below) to torque the nut while holding the shaft with a wrench. Since the Hazet sockets are quite expensive, I crudely fabbed my own with a normal deep socket and a 3" angle grinder.

CaptainGSR

I don't think it is that critical to get the exact torque on this one. It is obvious when the nut can't be turned with a wrench anymore. Then you can approx the torque from experience.
I would be more concerned with using a high quality socket or wrench to avoid stripping the shock's shaft while holding it.

Vandit

I think you're good w/ the impact method. A bit crude and imprecise, but I know people use that method all the friggin' time w/o issues.

-nick

Impact method is a great way to shear off the top of the strut- I've seen several. Do not do this!

Vandit

He already did it. The used the impact part, not the sheared the shaft part.

BHCfarkas

Impact should not be used on the top nut... it destroys the dampener and seals by spinning the shaft.

Vandit

Without the proper socket in his toolset, his alternative was to continue to try (and fail) at keeping the shaft from spinning when tightening it using hand tools.