Need help replacing shocks
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Austin TX
Need help replacing shocks
I'm having a heck of a time getting the nut on top of the shocks off. I used a wrench to turn the nut and vice grips on top to hold the shaft still. But now I'm so near the top that I can't get the grips on to go the rest of the way. Any ideas how to get the nut off the rest of the way?
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Austin TX
Re: Need help replacing shocks (deeb0)
Ok, scratch that post :) We got it off all the way, it was just a PITA.
so next problem, how to get the shock out of the car? It's almost ready to just pop out, but won't quite do it. It looks like removing the top A arm is the easiest way, but I don't want to just start taking things apart.
so next problem, how to get the shock out of the car? It's almost ready to just pop out, but won't quite do it. It looks like removing the top A arm is the easiest way, but I don't want to just start taking things apart.
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From: Keller TX
Re: Need help replacing shocks (deeb0)
Some have tied them up with the jack under the control arm, then slipped them out after lowering it back down. I tried that and anything I could find to hold it would stretch. I ended up pulling down on the top to get it out of the mount, then brute forced the bottom up, shifted it, and repeat. I'm not that strong, but it wasn't really that bad. They finally came out top first heading away from the rotor, at about a 45 degree angle toward the front. Hope this lame description helps. Hard not to get frustrated, but it will eventually come out. The key is to stay calm.
Steve
Steve
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From: Austin TX
Re: Need help replacing shocks (sknight)
Thanks. We eventually got it out. The key for me was to actually undo the 'lowering' I put on the front spring to get it out. Still took a bit of pushing and pulling it it came through ok. The rears were almost too easy tho!
It's done now, took my buddy and me about 5 hours total start to finish. I would be out driving it now but it's pouring down rain... and I sheared one of the bolts on the bottom of the front shocks. :rolleyes: OH!!! 28 N-M not 28 ft-lbs! Hopefully one of the local dealers will have them :)
It's done now, took my buddy and me about 5 hours total start to finish. I would be out driving it now but it's pouring down rain... and I sheared one of the bolts on the bottom of the front shocks. :rolleyes: OH!!! 28 N-M not 28 ft-lbs! Hopefully one of the local dealers will have them :)
