I just installed springs. And the front middle nut on top in engine bay doesn't tighten all the way? Is it suppose to be like that? The rod itself will keep spinning with the nut.

I've install a few different cars and normally you can stick an Allen wrench up top and tighten the nut with a wrench. But I don't see it has an Allen type up top.

 

It requires using 2 wrenches. One on the nut itself (a ratcheting wrench is ideal) and one on top holding the flat sides of the rod to prevent it from spinning as you tighten the nut. Tigten to the proper torque spec from the FSM.

 

What sort of wrench is going to hold the rod from spinning? Only thing I can think of using some sort of vice grip pliers to hold the tip of the rod and using a wrench to tighten it.

.. Crap I've already put everything back together figuring I could tighten it when I lower the car back down. Seems like I'd need an angle wrench to be able to get to it now ugh.

 

A deep angle box wrench for the nut.

A shock rod socket is available, I own one!!:

A137, Socket, Shock Absorber, 3/8" Drive, 1/4" oval width, 29/32" long

 

If you do it slowly, you can hold the nut with an open end wrench, and use a shck top socket to turn the shaft.

 

Thanks for the reply guys. I'll have to go to autozone because all my wrenches are straight wrenches. I'll see if autozone has that shock absorber tool as well.

 

Solved. Ending up getting some deep angle wrenches and using a vice grip plier to hold the rod. Was a pain in the butt but it worked.. No more clunks now.

This is the first time I've heard of that shock absorber tool. Autozone didn't have it and they didn't even really know what it was either.

 

At least you "got er done"!!!

 

The shock rod socket is really cool, I wish I had one when I did mine.
Thought I'll add a pic. I found a 8mm open ended wrench to be suitable for holding the center rod in place without deforming it. (it's really soft)


Congrats on the OP on getting it off.

 

Good photo, that's exactly what I was describing in my earlier post. I simply used a ratcheting wrench so I could actually turn the nut easily while holding the rod in place without having to remove the 8mm open end on top to reposition the other wrench.

 

Interesting. Definitely some good information! Thanks. Didn't think a 8mm would fit so well. I sure need some ratcheting wrenches in my life..they are a life saver.

 

Buy a set of cheap ones at Harbor Freight.
Metric Ratcheting Combo Wrench Set - 7 Piece

 

Betty, I'm wary of anything from Harbor Freight- do you have those and have they lasted a while for you?

 

I've had them a couple of years and they're fine. I don't use them an awful lot but they are very handy when you need them. If/when they break, I'll take them back and exchange for a new set. Their hand tools have a lifetime warranty and they have never given me any hassle exchanging them.

Some of the things they sell are complete garbage. Many of the hand tools are adequate, some are very good. You have to know which things are OK. Always read the customer reviews and ask on forums. These are IMO.

 

Good deal, thanks. I also would only plan to use them when absolutely needed. I'll pick up a set.