[dubcc]

Hi guys. I got some SmartMadness lowering springs in last week. I have a 2009 Smart ForTwo Brabus. The rears springs were extremely easy to do. Took me about an hour with distractions.

The front springs are 10x more difficult. I need to source the clamp for the strut that allows you to lock the strut in place with a wrench. And then I can just turn the 21mm on top of the strut.

Can they only be sourced at the dealer? Does anyone have one that I can buy?

Pic for reference.

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[blackout]

If you're feeling ballsy, you can use a thick rag and some vice-grips. Or, if you have access to air tools, just zip it off with an impact. That's what I did.

 

[dubcc]

If you're feeling ballsy, you can use a thick rag and some vice-grips. Or, if you have access to air tools, just zip it off with an impact. That's what I did.

Thanks for the reply. Will vice-grips still grab even with a rag? No air tools unfortunately. I do have an impact gun, but I know it is not going to fit in there.


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[blackout]

Thanks for the reply. Will vice-grips still grab even with a rag? No air tools unfortunately. I do have an impact gun, but I know it is not going to fit in there.


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Yeah, I used an air ratchet for mine. Tight spot. Vice-grips should work fine though. Just make sure you use a thick rag so the teeth don't cut through and damage the shock.

 

[dubcc]

Yeah, I used an air ratchet for mine. Tight spot. Vice-grips should work fine though. Just make sure you use a thick rag so the teeth don't cut through and damage the shock.

I’ll give it a try. Maybe I can get my impact in there with a swivel extension. Thanks!


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[dubcc]

Yeah, I used an air ratchet for mine. Tight spot. Vice-grips should work fine though. Just make sure you use a thick rag so the teeth don't cut through and damage the shock.

I tried vice grips with a rag. No dice. :banghead:


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[vadsoom]

I’ve tried those fancy shaft clams and vice grips with zero success. If you are replacing the strut, take a grinder and form two indents opposite each other. Grind each side a little at a time, checking the size using the jaws of a box-end wrench. Cut the grooves just wide enough to get the jaws to fit, the tighter the better. Once the box-end wrench fits, you should have plenty of torque to get that stubborn nut off.

 

[dubcc]

I’ve tried those fancy shaft clams and vice grips with zero success. If you are replacing the strut, take a grinder and form two indents opposite each other. Grind each side a little at a time, checking the size using the jaws of a box-end wrench. Cut the grooves just wide enough to get the jaws to fit, the tighter the better. Once the box-end wrench fits, you should have plenty of torque to get that stubborn nut off.

Thanks for the help. I'm only replacing the spring.

 

[dubcc]

Found the strut clamp on smartpartsdirect.com. In the UK. Hopefully this clamp works!!!


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