Just did mine last week and used a swivel ratcheting wrench, no problems at all and it was quick work, didn't remove anything either.
C5 Shock Removal Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: North of Atlanta GA
C5 Shock Removal Question
I have noted that most procedures for front shock removal, recommend moving the washer and coolant reservoirs aside, to access the top of the shock. None of what I read indicates that I would need to drain the reservoirs to move them aside. Do I need to drain them, or will they move enough (with contents unmolested) to enable gripping the top of the shock with my Snap On tool?
Advanced
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Unless you are installing some form of coil-over suspension, access to the top is not necessary.
Here are the instructions I used when I swapped in C6Z06 shocks: http://fuzzydiceracing.com/test.htm
Here are the instructions I used when I swapped in C6Z06 shocks: http://fuzzydiceracing.com/test.htm
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 130
Likes: 83
From: White Lake, Michigan
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
I also just did mine last week using a swivel ratcheting wrench and a small open end to keep the shock shaft from turning. Of course using the Zip Ties method. The fronts are actually easier than the rear. Trying to get that rear shock out is a real PITA.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
top access isn't needed. you can use a gearwrench and vice grip and or smaller wrench
worst part with the front is getting the old ones out. i had to loosen the upper control arms in order to get them in. didn't have to completely take them off, just backed the bolts out
rears are easy. pop the toe adjustment rod and they slip right out
i'm sure a base car would be easier. z06 shocks are pretty firm
worst part with the front is getting the old ones out. i had to loosen the upper control arms in order to get them in. didn't have to completely take them off, just backed the bolts out
rears are easy. pop the toe adjustment rod and they slip right out
i'm sure a base car would be easier. z06 shocks are pretty firm
Last edited by racebum; May 15, 2013 at 09:06 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
top access isn't needed. you can use a gearwrench and vice grip and or smaller wrench
worst part with the front is getting the old ones out. i had to loosen the upper control arms in order to get them in. didn't have to completely take them off, just backed the bolts out
rears are easy. pop the toe adjustment rod and they slip right out
i'm sure a base car would be easier. z06 shocks are pretty firm
worst part with the front is getting the old ones out. i had to loosen the upper control arms in order to get them in. didn't have to completely take them off, just backed the bolts out
rears are easy. pop the toe adjustment rod and they slip right out
i'm sure a base car would be easier. z06 shocks are pretty firm
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 65
From: Rochester Hills MI
make sure you use a craftsman or snap on 6mm wrench to keep the shaft from turning, because I absoultely destroyed mine trying to get the top nuts off. The wrench kept opening up, and I had to beat it back closed with a hammer on an anvil to close it back up to the proper size. It also rounded off the tips of the wrench. Although the nuts had been on there for 135k miles.
here's a pic of my wrench after I got done with it.
Another option would be to try to use some very powerful vice grips.
here's a pic of my wrench after I got done with it.
Another option would be to try to use some very powerful vice grips.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: North of Atlanta GA
Finally got to the fronts and finished them today. Kudos to the McRat method and the tastefully shocking bondage section. Drives a lot better - no longer bottoming out on those 168K mile originals. A small break for tree cutting, then on to C6 Z51 sway bars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
top access isn't needed. you can use a gearwrench and vice grip and or smaller wrench
worst part with the front is getting the old ones out. i had to loosen the upper control arms in order to get them in. didn't have to completely take them off, just backed the bolts out
rears are easy. pop the toe adjustment rod and they slip right out
i'm sure a base car would be easier. z06 shocks are pretty firm
worst part with the front is getting the old ones out. i had to loosen the upper control arms in order to get them in. didn't have to completely take them off, just backed the bolts out
rears are easy. pop the toe adjustment rod and they slip right out
i'm sure a base car would be easier. z06 shocks are pretty firm