Help Getting Shocks Off.....here bust be an easier way....,

[hugepiece]

HELP - thought i'd make good use of the bank holiday to change my shocks and springs, ok got the wheels off, top and bottom bolts off then hmmm, cant work out how to actually get the unit off out of the wishbones. Tried twisting and turning every possible way but could not get enough clearance to get unit out either from top or bottom. what doesnt help is the bottom spacers are welded to the wishbones - is this normal? I am sure there is a simple explanation withoug having to take the whole front suspension off. would welcome any suggestions! thanks!

[hugepiece]

sorry not sure if my post made sense. Basically ive got the shock/spring unit free inside the wishbone but cant work out how to actually get it out, there isnt enough clearance top or bottom to twist it out of the recess. woudl appreciate any ideas. im sure im just being thick and now thinking laterally here!....

[FUBAR]

This is why I pay Paul

Good luck Steve.

[C8 CDS]

Hi give me a ring mate i might be able to help i did mine 07887973593 Chris

[ireland]

It's a while since I did mine but as far as I recall you'll need to press the lower arm downwards and this will give you just enough clearance.

I think I used a nail-bar and had to lever it off the chassis rails.

It's fiddly, but you'll be able to do it on your own.

[BLUETHUNDER]

Rears should come of easily.In order to do the fronts you have to undo the bolt on the arm.Then just pull it down.You need to do this as you cant get the front shocks off unless thats out of the way.

[hugepiece]

bluethunder - do you mean the ARB bolt or the tie bar near the front? ta

Edited by hugepiece on Friday 6th April 20:31

[hugepiece]

cheers for the ideas chaps, will try again next weekend with the aid of my dad and a big bar to pull the wishbone down. will not let the cerbera beat me (this time).......

[BLUETHUNDER]

hugepiece said:

cheers for the ideas chaps, will try again next weekend with the aid of my dad and a big bar to pull the wishbone down. will not let the cerbera beat me (this time).......

I done mine on a four poster so it was a bit easier.All it needs to pull the wish bone down is brute force.

[ridds]

BLUETHUNDER said:

hugepiece said:

cheers for the ideas chaps, will try again next weekend with the aid of my dad and a big bar to pull the wishbone down. will not let the cerbera beat me (this time).......

I done mine on a four poster so it was a bit easier.All it needs to pull the wish bone down is brute force.

Aye, I used a breaker bar wedged in the lower arm and my knee as I wrestled with the shock.

[Ireland]

This picture shows what needs to be pushed downwards (arrowed) .....



..... and take no notice of the horrible gold on everything.

I haven't been out with the old tin of Judsons, the previous owner seemed to spend more time painting things horrible colours than driving the car.

[hugepiece]

nice one ireland just what i needed to see - cheers.

[Ireland]

hugepiece said:

nice one ireland just what i needed to see - cheers.

No problem.

I take pictures of bits of the car I'm working on (when I think to bring the camera out with me).

It comes in handy for myself sometimes.

Glad to be able to help.

[hugepiece]

ok finally got the rears on over the bank hol - not too bad and feeling very proud of myself! The old green ones were very very crusty indeed and look like they could be 55k miles old........Does anyone know the recommended settings for AVOs? I'm keen to make sure i've got them setup correctly. Will be attempting to do the fronts on Sat!

[BLUETHUNDER]

Its trial and error.It took me about three days to get them they way i wanted it.Adjust them to your own requirements.

[Ireland]

I'm still playing with them trying to get them right.

Don't set the front ones too hard.

I made that mistake and it makes the front end very twitchy.

The fronts on mine are now set at 10 "clicks" from the softest setting.

I'm not completely finished trying to get the front of mine the way I want it so they may go + or - another "click" or two, but it's a good starting point for you.

[FUBAR]

hugepiece said:

ok finally got the rears on over the bank hol - not too bad and feeling very proud of myself! The old green ones were very very crusty indeed and look like they could be 55k miles old........Does anyone know the recommended settings for AVOs? I'm keen to make sure i've got them setup correctly. Will be attempting to do the fronts on Sat!

Try whats on there first Steve. Remember they're not straight out the box as Ive had them adjusted already

[johnbear]

If they are 22 point adjustable - try 16 on the back and 14 on the front. Increase by 2 eac h year for wear.

Make sure you have at least 50mm bump stops on the rear AVO's - I've got 60mm, else she grounds

[work-shy-wanabe]

Shouldnt the front always be a bit harder than the rear?

Mine where all over the place and the car stepped out a bit too easy. Ive changed them to 5 clicks rear and 10 clicks front from maximum soft. So far I like it even if it is a bit bouncy.

Edited by work-shy-wanabe on Thursday 12th April 17:52

[hugepiece]

fronts are finally on! lets just hope it drives better now. The front passenger side one was totally caked in oil where the seal had perished - no wonder the handling was go bad! drivers side was easy but passenger side took about ah nour and about 10 attempts and a scaffold bar to get it back on! Thanks for all the suggestions and help on this one...