bobbyg5502

I have a 01 Civic LX and I heard a noise from the front strut so I thought I would fix it by trying to turn the spring and see if it was seated right. I loosened the center bolt that keeps the strut tension taught. Unfortunately, I galled up the threads, and rounded out the center where you use an allen wrench to hold the strut still. I cant use vice grips on the top as there is not enough metal to grab with, nor on the bottom. I tried a screw reversal but it wouldnt grab the metal. I may have messed that up though. Right now I have tapped out the center and was going to use a reverse threaded bolt (left hand threads) to tighten the center while I try and and free the bolt and tighten it back up. The problem however, is that no one here sells a left handed bolt, and no one here sells a used strut assembly. Does anyone have a spare strut for an 01? I dont really have the money to buy a new one right now. If there are any thoughts about how to go about doing this then let me know or anyone who has a strut.

metalviper

you could grind off the top nut or try to hold the piston rod while you loosen the nut. either way your gona need a strut man. try to post a want add

InanimateCarbonRod

cut the nut off with a dremel and a cutoff wheel.

bobbyg5502

Ok, but if I do that, how do I get another nut on it with out the middle turning? Or do I even need it in there?

metalviper

like i said you gona need another strut no matter what. putting the hex key in there holds the piston rod so you can tighten the nut. if you try to tighten it without holding the piston rod, it will just spin in the housing and you will never torque it properly

bobbyg5502

I understand that, hence the severe rounding out of the piston rod. Thanks for the info...im just trying to get a temporary fix for now till I can afford one.

metalviper

maybe an impact gun could loosen it id have to be at a high psi