Thanks for the method!

This year I had the same problem. After breaking some 5 hex wrenches my mechanic welded hex wrench to screw and finally was able to get it out. I don't know where did he got replacement screw. But the new screw was oiled and he said that next time it will be easier to unscrew.

 

I did the same thing my 9 year old daughter was helping me. I used a small torch as well and left the heat on for seconds, it backed right out. I was putting new Arnotts on so I have no worries about the set screw.
I actually made a necklace out of the set screw for my daughter just because of the pain it was to get out. My daughter thought it was funny. She did learn some new words. I dropped it into a jewelers glass vile and mounted it on a chain. Was going to drill it but never got around to it. It started as a joke I said if this screw comes out I will make you a necklace out of it so you will remember how much fun it is to change struts on a S-Class

Let's hope that it doesn't unscrew before you want it to! Mercedes apparently was concerned about the screw loosening in service.

Just buy some blue lock-tite and apply it you will be good to go

 

Let's hope that it doesn't unscrew before you want it to! Mercedes apparently was concerned about the screw loosening in service.

 

Your pictures are very helpful. I have the exact same torch. The front of the strut has the extra thing (controller?) on the front. Looks like you just pull down to unplug to make room for the torch flame. Is there any trick to getting that plastic piece off and away from the front set screw?

 

Hello,


Do you have information for this question? I also do this job and how to disassemble the plastic part?

Best regards

 

Hello Skylaw,
I think the torch wizardry posted by mercy-me should be added to the Encyclopedia. MB applies the blue thread-lock for reason, but it causes too much pain for too many. I had this with one of the hex screws when I removed the shifter box, the most frustrating experience of all my DIY jobs.
Best
George

 

I don't recall seeing this thread in the Encyclopedia, so if indeed it's not there, I'd also suggest its addition.

 

I will look into it today......

 

Its encyclopedia'ed. Chapt 1 post 3 of 17 close to bottom. Actually done by Skylaw in 2015. I thought I had seen it in there but wasnt certain.

 

Thanks, Ex-Fed!

One other thing I should mention about this little tip. When I tried it, it was with the regular ol' propane torch that you buy at the Home Depot for soldering copper plumbing pipes. I actually had to hold the hottest part of the flame directly on that little bolt for about 60 seconds to get the Loctite to loosen. I mention this because some have mentioned that maybe 5 seconds will do the trick. \

Note that I kept the flame pretty small, where the bluest "inner core" part of the flame was maybe 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch long. It looked a lot like Bob's butane-torch flame in the pics.

So, it took 60 seconds per bolt on my springs instead of 5 seconds. But, this tip *does* work.

Bob, thanks for posting this.

 

That little plastic piece is held in place with a set screw on the bottom of that cylinder. The hole the screw goes into is seen just above the orange grommet in the image you posted.

 

Smh I screwed the pooch on this one one of the hex's stripped ....attempting to drill it out ...not looking good for the home team lol.. if any one has drilled it out what kind of bit did you use and yes I have taken that cap off over the screw 🤔🤔

 

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