Socket to hold damper shaft?

[merckx]

I've just removed the spring/damper assembly on the van so I can replace the top bearing.

 

The threaded damper shaft obviously has a nut which I want to remove but I need a special socket to hold the shaft while I loosen the nut.

 

There's just a couple of flats on the shaft, the only trouble is that the nut and shaft are recessed down below the top mount.

 

Is there a special socket that I can buy to use with a wrench that has the profile shown below.

 

Thanks

 

8mm across the flats

 

[SUPRALOOPY]

Can you bend a spanner to fit? if not get the welder out and make a socket to fit. We are always making "special tools" at work,As Rolls royce engineers must have been on drugs when they built some of their cars..LOL

[merckx]

if not get the welder out and make a socket to fit.

Yes, looks like I'll be modifying a socket to fit.

 

I've tried an open ended spanner but it's just opening up and slipping off.

[merckx]

I've done it.

 

I used mole grips on the top of the shaft under the top mount after sliding down the plastic boots and bump stop.

[DannoSupra]

Was going to suggest Moley's.. thats what you'de normally use, some has a Hex or Torx and some have what you got

[merckx]

Was going to suggest Moley's.. thats what you'de normally use, some has a Hex or Torx and some have what you got

I didn't use them at the normal location for holding it though, there was already rust at the top of the damper shaft which is hidden by the plastic stop so the grip marks left by the mole grips didn't matter anyway.