How to compress shocks for removal
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,762
Likes: 2
From: Murphy TX
How to compress shocks for removal
Or I should say how to KEEP them compressed.
I had a bitch of a time getting my fronts out (switching to Bilsteins). Eventually just gave up and dismounted the upper A-arm so the assembly could rotated downward. Made the other side a 15 minute job.
That said, I'm starting the backs today.
Is there an easy way to compress the shock and keep it compressed for easy removal and install? I'm plenty strong enough to compress it by hand (2 hands) but only having two hands I don't see any way to keep it compressed.
Low tech 'tricks of the trade' appreciated!
TIA.
I had a bitch of a time getting my fronts out (switching to Bilsteins). Eventually just gave up and dismounted the upper A-arm so the assembly could rotated downward. Made the other side a 15 minute job.
That said, I'm starting the backs today.
Is there an easy way to compress the shock and keep it compressed for easy removal and install? I'm plenty strong enough to compress it by hand (2 hands) but only having two hands I don't see any way to keep it compressed.
Low tech 'tricks of the trade' appreciated!
TIA.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,762
Likes: 2
From: Murphy TX
Dumb Q but how do you wire them to get the old ones off?
I need both hands to compress the shock at that angle (working in the wheel well) which doesn't leave me any free hands to tie the wire?
Are you just quick about it?
I feel kind of dumb asking this...
I need both hands to compress the shock at that angle (working in the wheel well) which doesn't leave me any free hands to tie the wire?
Are you just quick about it?
I feel kind of dumb asking this...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
Jack one end up and take the tire off. Jack up the suspension to compress the shock. Put heavy duty tie wraps around the shock to keep it compressed. Loosen the bolts and lower the suspension. To install, reverse the procedure by compressing the shock with hands while someone tie wraps it. Have fun. - C.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,979
Likes: 5
From: San Diego, CA "leaf" "tee" "e"
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,251
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by vectorz
Just use good old fashion muscle. I did all my shocks by compressing by hand. It shouldn't be *that* bad.
Use some thin nylon cord/string and tie it to the top shock mount. Then loop it around the bottom shock mount and using muscle power, compress the shock and sinch the string tight until the shock is fully compressed. Then tie it off so it can't expand. Do the same on the install.
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