10 replies to this topic

[Adcuz]

I recently tried to remove my rear shocks in order to fit new suspension parts but ran into a bit of an issue when attempting to remove the rear shock absorbers. When I tried to undo the bolts inside the boot that hold the shocks in the place the whole top part of the assembly would just rotate. This meant I couldn't get the bolts undone. I tried gripping the top part of the shock with mole grips and various other methods with no success.

Has anyone had the same issue before? If so how did you overcome it?

The car has standard shocks.

[frankiebateman]

Get some grips underneath on the shock and hold it or put heavy pressure on the shock to stop it spinning around so : use grips hold shock and try unbolt

Edited by frankiebateman, 23 April 2009 - 06:07 PM.

[The_Mistro]

my dad had a tool that went onto a air compresser which "tapped" the bolt very fast, which i suppose loosened it a little bit which meant we could undo it

[blacktulip]

how about undoing it whilst on the ground first, getting it right off, then putting it back on a few threads then jacking it up etc?

[Bungle]

use something to hold the flat bit at the top of the shock while using a spanner to turn the nut below it

[jjojjas]

well, you got all the usual tips offered there to you........... failing them.......get the grinder out
Jas

[Adcuz]

Tried the grips and doing it while full weight on the wheels but no luck. Looks like it'll be jjojjas' trick

Thanks

[jaydee]

Tried the grips and doing it while full weight on the wheels but no luck. Looks like it'll be jjojjas' trick

Thanks

Dont use grinder..totally useless cause u'll have the same issue as u'll be fitting the new dumpers.
Bungles pointed you the correct way.

[Bungle]

i'm glad someone can see my post

why bodge it when doing it the right way is easier

[Waffs1984]

Yep, mole grips or small (4-5mm spanner?) on the flat bit that protrudes out the top above the nut - this is what it is flat for! Warning - it will give you back ache if you have a standard boot in the way and your trying to lean over and use both hands!

Watch out for the bottom bolt, when i took mine off the passenger side i had a 'mare getting the shocker to come off. Turned out i had pulled the shock and rubber bush off but the steel sleeve that slides over the bolt was seized on. Had to CAREFULLY grind through it without touching the bolt underneath to be able to prise it off

Another tip whilst im here, if your replacing the old trumpets with hi-lo's or similar then instead of farting about trying to get the old one out i angle ground halfway through the trumpet in the middle and then hammered a big chisel in the cut. Smashed it in half in one hit as it is a cast, and reasonably brittle, part. The old nylon bit of the knuckle joints is a pain to get out too

Hope this helps,

Matt.

Edited by Waffs1984, 24 April 2009 - 01:16 PM.

[Adcuz]

i'm glad someone can see my post

While I appreciate the help there's no need to be like that is there?

Yep, mole grips or small (4-5mm spanner?) on the flat bit that protrudes out the top above the nut - this is what it is flat for! Warning - it will give you back ache if you have a standard boot in the way and your trying to lean over and use both hands!

Watch out for the bottom bolt, when i took mine off the passenger side i had a 'mare getting the shocker to come off. Turned out i had pulled the shock and rubber bush off but the steel sleeve that slides over the bolt was seized on. Had to CAREFULLY grind through it without touching the bolt underneath to be able to prise it off

Another tip whilst im here, if your replacing the old trumpets with hi-lo's or similar then instead of farting about trying to get the old one out i angle ground halfway through the trumpet in the middle and then hammered a big chisel in the cut. Smashed it in half in one hit as it is a cast, and reasonably brittle, part. The old nylon bit of the knuckle joints is a pain to get out too

Hope this helps,

Matt.

Thanks for that Matt! I didn't realise the tiny bit above the nut was seperate to the nut, thought it was some fancy locking nut. Hense the reason I didn't really get Bungle's post and just assumed he was referring to a different type of shock absorber. I will be fitting Hi-Lo's to it so will use your method.

Thanks again.