Rear shock top mount removal

[eltoshan]

Does anyone know what specific tool is needed for the top mount shock nut for the rear shocks? The Schwaben 18mm strut nut tool only works for the front struts on my car, but the rear shocks top mounts have such a narrow opening the socket can't reach the nut itself.

[heckyeahbro69]

Originally Posted by eltoshan

Does anyone know what specific tool is needed for the top mount shock nut for the rear shocks? The Schwaben 18mm strut nut tool only works for the front struts on my car, but the rear shocks top mounts have such a narrow opening the socket can't reach the nut itself.

I use a gearwrench brand socket #80789

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by eltoshan

Does anyone know what specific tool is needed for the top mount shock nut for the rear shocks? The Schwaben 18mm strut nut tool only works for the front struts on my car, but the rear shocks top mounts have such a narrow opening the socket can't reach the nut itself.

Look for a thin wall socket from Snap On, Mac or Matco. 3/8" drive sockets will also have a smaller overall diameter than 1/2" drive.

Another option is to take your socket to the grinder and thin out the walls enough so it will fit and turn freely.

[Brentis]

Guys thought I would pay it forward since nowhere does anyone say the e-torx (external) bolt size for the rear 2016 F82/F83 M4 shock tower mount. For clarity - pic attached... Hope this saves a few hours of some poor helpless soul like myself.

Where torx are T, External Torx are "E". The ones shown in my pic are E-12 and sold at Northern tool as set for $14.

E-12

[x.shell]

Originally Posted by Brentis

Guys thought I would pay it forward since nowhere does anyone say the e-torx (external) bolt size for the rear 2016 F82/F83 M4 shock tower mount. For clarity - pic attached... Hope this saves a few hours of some poor helpless soul like myself.

Where torx are T, External Torx are "E". The ones shown in my pic are E-12 and sold at Northern tool as set for $14.

E-12

Good info. Anyone who works on BMWs should have an E-Torx socket set. However, that's not what OP is asking about. OP is asking about the nut that holds the top hat to the shock shaft.

To OP: What heckyeahbro69 recommended will work. You can also take your strut to Pep Boys or something and just try a bunch of 12-pointed deep sockets to see what will fit -- this is what I did and eventually, I ended up with a 12-pointed standard (not metric) size socket with thin walls. Whatever works works I guess.

[hC1001]

I went to autozone with the rear shock in hand to find a socket that fits... i vaguely remember that 1/2" socket is thicker and wouldnt fit the hole. The 3/8" socket worked.

Try a auto store first. Homedepot and lowes might also work too.