Swapping a shock absorber?

[Toaster Pilot]

Found out today that one of the rear shocks on my shed has burst - only £25 for a replacement part vs £90 at a garage. Bit scared of the thought of using spring compressors though, read too many stories about people having them let go

What would a garage typically charge to swap it over if I was to remove the strut and take it to them? Or should I just MTFU and buy a set of spring compressors tomorrow?

[P I Staker]

Spring compressors aren't really dangerous unless you use them incorrectly.

What kind of car is it? Does it definitely have struts at the rear? You might not even need to remove the spring to change the damper.

[Toaster Pilot]

Skoda Felicia Estate - does have struts at the rear.

[P I Staker]

I've got cheap Halfords spring compressors, used them several times and not had any problems. The cheap ones are two clamps, make sure you alternate between them as you tighten them down.

If you're confident enough to remove the strut no bother then I don't think you need to worry about going the bit further to do the whole job your self.

[Hereward]

It's good practice to replace suspension components in pairs, if you can be arsed with the extra hassle of doing so.

[Toaster Pilot]

Hereward said:

It's good practice to replace suspension components in pairs, if you can be arsed with the extra hassle of doing so.

I know, not sure if I can be arsed but I guess if I can do it once I might as well do it twice.

Haynes says the lower mounting bolt nut should be replaced - will I need to get it/them from a dealer or will it be something I can buy from a DIY store?

[P I Staker]

Toaster Pilot said:

I know, not sure if I can be arsed but I guess if I can do it once I might as well do it twice.

Haynes says the lower mounting bolt nut should be replaced - will I need to get it/them from a dealer or will it be something I can buy from a DIY store?

You might get one with your new strut, possibly. Although if you had a garage do the whole job I can almost guarantee you they would reuse that nut.

[Toaster Pilot]

These up to the job then?

http://www.screwfix.com/p/coil-spring-compressor-k...

[P I Staker]

Should be fine, just make sure the spring is seated in the clamps properly and as I said, tighten them down evenly.

[Dr Doofenshmirtz]

You should ideally replace suspension components in pairs.

[ChrisDB7]

Could you not just buy the whole strut from a scrappy? Thats what I did with my old Fiesta.

[Krikkit]

P I Staker said:

Should be fine, just make sure the spring is seated in the clamps properly and as I said, tighten them down evenly.

This, many times over. They're perfectly safe if you're careful - make sure the spring is seated securely in the clamp and tighten them slowly and evenly between the pair.

[eltax91]

Are you sure it's a McPherson Strut arrangement?

I thought they were set up like this from when my mum owned one?



If so, no spring compressors required??

[Toaster Pilot]

Cue dodgy photo from under the car...

[Mound Dawg]

I can see why that needs replacing...

[snapdragon69]

TBH, I'd just buy a pair from somewhere like buypartsby or carparts4less and get an independant tyre brakes exhaust place to fit them. I'd also consider getting new nuts and bolts and any dust boot etc.. from the Skoda dealer.

[r11co]

Hereward said:

It's good practice to replace suspension components in pairs, if you can be arsed with the extra hassle of doing so.

Depends on the mileage of the shock that's not failed. In this case I'd reckon if one's away then the other will be not far behind so changing both is common sense.

Done three of the shocks on my e90 on the driveway. Fourth one will be getting done some time this coming week. Easy peasy, but I don't rate Halfords (laser) spring compressors. The finish on them is too shiny making them likely to slip round the spring (one did on me and nearly took the fingers on my left hand off) and the thread on them is too narrow so you are winding for ages and ages. Took mine back for a refund and posted a negative review on their site (which didn't get published, funnily enough).

Axle stands and trolley jack also essential. Under no circumstances attempt the job with anything less.

[Toaster Pilot]

Mound Dawg said:

I can see why that needs replacing...

[Buff Mchugelarge]

I once compressed the rear spring on an old DT125 using large jubilee clips and bad language..

I'm not dead, but would definitely not recommend it!

[Toaster Pilot]

Nowhere has stock locally so I've had to put new rear tyres on the Kia to make the 700 mile round trip to Glasgow over the next few days - ill order shocks from ECP for delivery and sort it when I return