The nut on the top of the front strut bolt is 21mm. The shaft from the shock has a 7mm hex hole so that you can use an Allen wrench to keep the shaft from spinning when you tighten or loosen the nut. I previously found 22mm strut sockets on Google but never found one that was 21mm. An old 13/16-inch spark plug socket fits fine. Since it has a hex shape on the top, it is possible to fit the 7mm Allen wrench down the center of the socket and use a box end wrench to remove the nut from the strut assembly.
However, when it comes time to reassemble the strut and torque down the nut, you really need to snap the torque wrench into the end of the socket precluding the use of the Allen wrench. Strut sockets are cut away so that you could use the torque wrench and Allen wrench simultaneously.
I found that I could easily drill a 1/8-inch hole through the side of the spark plug socket. I drilled two series of four holes down a line about 12mm in length. Then I used a hack saw to cut across the arc of the socket. I pounded out the small square piece with a chisel and filed the edges smooth. I may have to extend the width of the hole in order to allow enough movement of the Allen wrench.
After modifying the spark plug socket I searched for a link on Google to post a picture of the 22mm professional tool to compare to my homemade tool. Wouldn't you know it, I found a 21mm one advertised for $60!
I now have the tools I need to do the suspension conversion on my SLK350. I will post the suspension project pictures sometime before Thanksgiving.
After looking at the professional strut socket I decided to widen the access hole for the Allen wrench. It's now one third open instead of one sixth as shown in the first photos.
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