1998 Sentra Strut Replacement Problem

[tenn1]

I’ve got the front strut out and when I attempt to remove the strut dampernut with a socket the whole damper shaft turns – I am locking in position the mount while I’m doing it like the manual says and I’ve got spring compressor ready to go once I loosen the damper nut. I’ve got the factory manual and a Haynes manual and neither mention even the possibility of this happening much less how to overcome it. There is no way to replace the strut until I get this nut off. The nut is recessed in the strut mount so there’s no way I could get a open wrench on it while holding the damper rod.

Could I hold a pipe wrench on the damper shaft and turn the nut or is the polished shafttoo smooth to do that?

The thing that really confuses me is that what’s to prevent the damper rod from turning when I torque the new strut damper nut to the required 45 or so ftlb.?

Anyone ever had this problem when doing struts or shocks?

[RED_DET]

You are probably going to need an impact gun to get it off.

[vegas2.0S]

If you don't have an air compressor you can get an electric impact.