Strut spreader tool, ghetto version

[rayray086]

Hey guys,

Just thought I'd share this as I broke my proper strut spreader tool (don't ask how lol) and was left dumbstruck for a little while.

Just a bit of background info, the front strut of a Mk4 slots into an opening in the knuckle assembly. For this to happen, you need to spread the gap opening with a tool, such as this:



The way it works is you slot the narrow side into the gap, then turn 90 degrees with a wrench, effectively widening the gap and elongating the opening so you can slot the strut in.

Well, I broke my spreader tool and was left in a pickle. I remembered when I took the car up for a notch job with Alex G that he used an allen key. The gap on the knuckle assembly is approximately 1/4" in width, so I ended up using a 1/4" hex bit. Helped get a bit of the strut in, but still wasn't wide enough to get it in easily (even with the weight of the car on it). Then I remembered I had reducer sockets going down to 1/4", so I went ahead and used that instead, and voila, the strut just slid in effortlessly.



Hope this helps others!

[dylan8]

nice Ray, one of the very few out of the norm tools required to do the mk4 suspension.
We did similar using a random allan key that didn't belong in dads collection, just ground it down to make it a little more oval in shape, worked a treat with a extension bar over the end

[Jmac]

Wow dude they are hardened tips, no wonder you were dumbstruck mate. Anyway good to see you got an alternative
Cheers
Jmac

[gotboost?]

Yep, I used an Allen key from a $10 Supatool set that I got from Bunnings. Worked perfectly and was still intact!

Although, using that adapter with a ratchet handle or breaker bar would certainly give better reach...

[leighaus]

I just used a thick flat blade hex bit in my small ratchet. That's how most tutorials suggest if you don't have the spreader