The nut that holds the strut insert is made with two pieces: one that screws into strut and the second one with (I don't even know how to call them)that allows to grab it with a tool and turn it. I was about to open the strut today when rivets holding the second part gave up. The first piece is sitting in the strut. How can I take it out? Can I heat this nut? Papers that came with the cartridge warn that one must not heat up the cartridge due to gas under pressure inside. Can I cos CABOOOOOOM!!!! heating up the nut?
Thank you for any ideas!

You're replacing the strut insert, right? If so, then yes, you can heat the remaining threads. (Heat the b'jesus out of it)

My experience with these has been that the nut takes a tremendous amount of torque to remove even when it's completly intact. I'd be surprized if you could get the amount of torque necessary with the top of the nut broken off.

If that's the case, you may have to resort to major surgery. Just off the top of my head: maybe use a Dremel to cut the remaining top of the nut out so the strut insert can be removed. (will the strut insert fit past the remainder of the nut?) Then use a hack saw or Dremel to carefully cut through the inside of the threaded part that's stuck. Maybe cut it several places in an effort to compromise the strength of it.

Good luck.

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Jeff Pierce (Post back with your results... it's what makes this forum work.)

I was thinking about surgery you have sugested, but the problem is that the insert will not come out if I cut the nut flat with the strut. It has to come out in one piece.
Thanks!