strut insert removal tool

[FrenchStag]

Hello. I have compressed the spring without any maimed limbs. I have to remove the strut insert, which is screwed in with a threaded flange which has two holes in it. To remove it looks like it needs a tool a bit like an angle grinder disc changer tool. Anyone know where I can get one? Or will a few taps with a punch usually free the fixing? Its on my PI, not Stag. Thank you

[Lingen]

" A few tap with a punch" might work if it isn't too tight. The thread is very fine, so undo it carefully, and ditto when replacing it. If it is tight, you might be able to make up a simple tool like a disc changer one, as I think that is exactly what they look like. The "Flange" may be made out of aluminium alloy, so could be easily damaged wit a sharp punch.
Mike.

[richardthestag]

on my stag about a lifetime and a half ago I removed the original damper setup from my struts with a drift and hearty good hammer. There was a pinch point that I needed to move first to allow the threaded top to wind out. Mount it all in a decent workmate. maybe heat the strut tube up with blowtorch / MAP gas torch to ease the process

[FrenchStag]

Luckily it did move with the right sized punch and a hammer, without having to be too brutal, although it was stiff all the way to the end.

Out came an at least 20 year old KONI insert, and in went a new bog standard one with a bit of oil to bed it into the tube.

Definitely needed doing, the difference between the two in terms of stiffness is enormous.

I tried to use the new screw in retainer flange but it didnt feel like it was ever going to start off right and I really did not want a cross thread, so I reused the old one, which seemed much better quality anyway.

Now just got to get the spring back on.

[jbuckl]

Chris Witor was selling thread repair inserts for this , in case the thread became damaged.

[FrenchStag]

Thanks all. Haynes manuel and even the Triumph big maintenance binder remarkable silent on how to actually change the inserts.

[jbuckl]

…. If they are really stuck, you have to carefully drill them out…. Otherwise thread becomes damaged.

they can be really corroded in….

new collars are often needed.

[mole42]

Thanks all. Haynes manuel and even the Triumph big maintenance binder remarkable silent on how to actually change the inserts.

That’s because the original fitment was a strut with an integral damper. No inserts back then! If the strut failed, you just fitted a new one.

[FrenchStag]

Thanks, you learn something new every day! Now I can do a front strut. Must sew that badge on the overalls.