How to remove this?

Busty's Avatar
  • Busty
  • 07-09-2025, 07:10 PM
I googled it & got nothing.
How do you remove it?
Tried using flat head & managed to scratch surrounding surface.
Ughhhhhh

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Dorian Gray's Avatar
The objection in the image[s] is called a push-on cap nut or more precisely push nut retainer

Tools You May Need:
• Flathead screwdriver or pick
• Needle-nose pliers
• Side cutters (if you’re okay with destroying it)
• WD-40 or penetrating oil (if rusted)



Method 1: Pry Off (Non-Destructive)

Use this if you want to reuse the nut or not damage the shaft:
1. Apply penetrating oil if it’s old or rusted. Wait a few minutes
2. Slide a flathead screwdriver under one side of the push nut
3. Gently twist or pry up the edge
4. Once it lifts slightly, use needle-nose pliers to pull it up and off, working slowly to avoid bending the shaft



Method 2: Cut It Off (Destructive)

Use this if you plan to replace the push nut:
1. Take a pair of side cutters (diagonal pliers)
2. Grip the edge of the push nut and carefully cut into one side
3. Twist or pry it apart enough to slide it off the shaft

⚠️ Be careful not to damage the shaft or injure your fingers. Wear gloves if needed
HTXBill's Avatar
I think you need a man to help you.

;p

Ducks and runs away.
Busty's Avatar
  • Busty
  • 07-09-2025, 08:31 PM
^^Dorian did a fine job of explaining...
THANK U Dorry
Unique_Carpenter's Avatar
DG is correct.
Regardless of method, the locking ring usually gets bent/damaged to the point of non-reuse. A decent hardware store may have a possible replacement.
MarcellusWalluz's Avatar
Looks like a push on retaining clip/ring, not meant to be removed/not serviceable.
Get a set of very small but heavy duty precision screwdrivers, use the flat head to bend back the tabs & you should be able to slide it off the rod. You can try bending them back into place by lightly tapping them with a hammer if you need to reuse it but it will most likely end up unusable.
I recommend using some work gloves so you don't injure your hands.
Busty's Avatar
  • Busty
  • 07-10-2025, 05:19 AM
Got it, 4 to go

Michael8219's Avatar
Glad you got that thingy outta the hole. It looked like it was in tight!
Busty's Avatar
  • Busty
  • 07-10-2025, 06:08 AM
2nd Question
Where is the gas release spot
On strut lift?
Stabilus lift O mat brand.
Tension force way too strong.
I looked at many videos & got nothing for this particular one.




Found this video but it's not my brand,grrrrr.
https://youtu.be/_6dvFjHR4mA?si=bEEGqmbKuudnEbda
Wow! a handy-woman. Can you please come change my oil (demurely batting eyelashes)?
Busty's Avatar
  • Busty
  • 07-10-2025, 06:28 AM
^^Trucks are easy since they have clearance from the ground.
I would change your oil & grill you a steak but we have to go Harbor freight 4some tools.

Brooke Wilde's Avatar
These guys are always a great resource for questions like this.

I've had nothing but positive experiences posting questions in this forum.
DoubleEagle's Avatar
^^Trucks are easy since they have clearance from the ground.
I would change your oil & grill you a steak but we have to go Harbor freight 4some tools.

Originally Posted by Busty
I’ll bring my own tools and ribeyes.
Unique_Carpenter's Avatar
Busty,
There may not be a gas release valve. If that is the case, there should be an internal "lock". When under full compression, a twist on the outside cylinder should engage the internal lock, thus holding the unit in its compressed state while removing or installing it.

Been there, done that.
Busty's Avatar
  • Busty
  • 07-11-2025, 12:58 PM
^^^uhhh, do I need to remove the whole entire strut lift from the awning & which end is the eternal lock?