how do I remove the strut piston rod top nut?

[Touchdown038]

I'm changing the struts in my car from the OEM to the KYB GR-2, and I'm having trouble getting the nut that connects the piston rod to the upper mount. When I turn it, the whole strut turns. So I tried to use an adjustable wrench on the top to hold the rod in place... big mistake, I ended up shearing off the top right above the threads. So... what can I do next?

I have no access to air tools by the way

[SmithSR]

Your local independent tire dealer(the big ugly red and white building) can do it for you in about .00004 minutes, and they'll most likely do it for free. Usually, there's somebody free to do small stuff like this, and a customer-friendly appearance is better than charging you for such a basic thing.

-Phil

[offtheline]

the way i did it was i had a friend hold the piston rod as tight as he could with a pair of plyers right at the end so it doesnt block a wrench. Then just loosen the nut with a wrench. voila!

[Grant@tirerack]

I have had success using one of those strap wrenches you can find at hardware stores or home centers. You have to put a few turns around the rod but that will be enough friction to hold the rod without tearing up the finish on the rod.

[MainEvent212]

yeah, me+my friend+a vice and a whole lot of scary popping noises and unseating of springs got the trick done...dont hold the spring when ur turning it...bad idea...lol, hold the piston rod w/ a wrench

[Def]

On BMW's this is a common problem since the nut is factory loctite'd. A $35 electric impact wrench does wonders. Zips the nut right off. If you don't have one yet, get one. It is probably one of the most useful things to have while working on your car.

[Q451990]

If it's anything like the Q rears, the top of the shaft has two flat spots. I used an adjustable to hold the shaft while turning the nut with an open end wrench. This is especially important when installing the new shocks, since you don't want to scratch the shaft (causes leaks).

Heath