Removing / reinstalling shocks on SR3

[AlistairCoker]

Me AGAIN ! I know this is hugely basic for most but I don't want to bu*ger it up. I want to test my front shocks to make sure they are functioning properly. I have removed the lower retaining bolt and have now started to remove the upper one only to find it snags the upper wishbone before it comes out fully. Is it just a case of jacking the car up so the wishbones drop and I can then remove the bolt ?
Also, the car is on the ground and I have supported underneath the chassis as I presume the car will drop slightly once both bolts are removed. Is there anything else I need to look out for when removing them or will they just slide out ?
Also, what is the best technique for re-installing them, I am thinking it will be a nightmare to line up and re-fit - do i just bolt the bottom and then lower the car on the jack until the upper wishbone rises and the top bolt hole lines up ?
Thanks

[jpivey]

Your folllowing my advice then, imagine i will be told i'm wrong feel sure to remove shocks put the car on axle stands remove the top wishbone bolt and undo both bolts that hold shock unless the shock is still underload from the spring then take out one of the push rod bolts and then the shock will move more, should know this as i only put the winter project back together a month ago. Disconnect nik bar as well...

[Simon T]

Car on stands
Wheel off
Top wishbone outer bolt out
Tie wrap upright to prevent it straining Brake hose
Damper lower bolt out (don't lose cones)
Damper upper bolt out (don't lose cones)
Damper out

Reverse process to fit

Simon

Edited by Simon T on Wednesday 31st March 14:25

[AlistairCoker]

Sorry Simon, forgive my ignorance but what are "cones" ? The rest all makes sense and thanks for the concise dimwit proof instructions.
Cheers
Ali

[jpivey]

What Simon means is the spacers each side of the shock that have bearing fitted as you have Avo's I doubt you have these as Avo's have bushes fitted, hope that makes sense!!

[AlistairCoker]

Indeed, I have bushes.
Cheers JP.

[AlistairCoker]

Right, shocks are off, easy, even for me. Can't get spring platorm off so for now can only depress piston about an inch,there is no rebound at all, does this mean they're shot ? They are avo's so are they worth 25 quid to refurb or should I spend 95 on new one's. How many hours should a set of avo's last ? Or should I go for a diff brand ? Bear in mind I don't race, just 6 or7 trackdays per year. Thanks

[ScottHughes]

No does not mean they are duff... the only real way to test is to send off to AVO, they are very helpful and don't charge much from memory...

[Simon T]

Throw em in the bin, they're crap even when new. Get a set of Intrax, Nitrons or Konis

Simon

Edited by Simon T on Wednesday 31st March 22:52

[AlistairCoker]

Hmmmm, seems no one rates the Avo's. Will Koni and Intrax fit without any other modifications to push rods, etc. I don't have adjustable push rods on mine ? What kind of price are you loooking at for these ?
Thanks

[Count Johnny]

Sshhh! You ain't seen me right.

http://www.blackartdesigns.com/id1.html

[SportsLibre]

Simon T said:

Throw em in the bin, they're crap even when new. Get a set of Intrax, Nitrons or Konis

Simon

Edited by Simon T on Wednesday 31st March 22:52

Avos £100 full set refurbished or Nitrons etc. £1200 + vat (for the "cheap" ones)

The AVos are perfectly good for for your track days, don't waste your money.

Get the Avo's serviced, if you then feel you want to push it further consider something else, plenty of Mid price options out there.

I've won 3 championships using the Avos. I have now replaced them for this year, but they were the original untouched 12 year old ones!

Edited by SportsLibre on Thursday 1st April 21:02

Edited by SportsLibre on Thursday 1st April 21:03

[AlistairCoker]

Thanks, that is reassuring and makes sense to me. I was looking at R prices today and I refuse to spend thousands on shocks, as long as the avo's function properly I am happy, not worried about getting that bit extra. Refurb it is then !!