Shock Removal tricks wanted
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Sussex wi
Shock Removal tricks wanted
Please help, I ordered and Recieved new KYB shocks for my 91 coupe, Figured the rears are suppose to be the hardest so I started there,
Orginal Shocks -Delco/Bilsteins And they all seems to be over torqued -Makes this even more fun.
Any ideas on how to get the mounting bracket off? I am trying to safe the orginal shocks to someday have them rebuilt.
If the rears are this bad - Any tricks for the fronts - Because they also seem to be over tighten.
Thanks for the help this is my first - project since I purchased the car last year.
Orginal Shocks -Delco/Bilsteins And they all seems to be over torqued -Makes this even more fun.
Any ideas on how to get the mounting bracket off? I am trying to safe the orginal shocks to someday have them rebuilt.
If the rears are this bad - Any tricks for the fronts - Because they also seem to be over tighten.
Thanks for the help this is my first - project since I purchased the car last year.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,956
Likes: 706
From: WI
On my year you just turn the top nut off the top of the shock, you have to hold it from spinning though with a hex key in the top of the rod. Is this the part that is stuck? On mine I clamped the hex key in my vice then held the shock down onto the key so I had a very positive hold on it, then turned the nut off. If there is any rust clean it off and use oil. Also since you have new shocks you can just grind the nut off if the hex key strips.
I don't live super far away if you need help.
I don't live super far away if you need help.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 250
Likes: 1
I would jack up the car and soak the entire mess down with PB Blaster. Go out the next day and then start removal. I use a large pair of straight-jaw vise-grips to hold the rod from turning(you are throwing these out anyway, right).
If all else fails, get out the torch! The blue-tip wrench ALWAYS works!
Take Care and Be Safe, -John
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
I replaced the front and rear shocks on my 89 a few years ago and do not recall any big issues on the rear shocks. However, the front shocks limits the downward movement of the front suspension. You shoud raise up the front of the car and then place a jack under the front suspension of the shock you are attempting to replace. This will relieve the pressure on the upper nut and make removal easier. Hope these words make sense!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Sussex wi
Thanks all
Thank you all for the tips - I ended up cutting the nut off - and ran out of time - So I will continue this project next weekend. I think the guy I bought the car from used it as a test of strength - although these were the orginal shocks. Looking forward to finishing the project, having winter end and getting back to driving it.
