I will be replacing my shocks with Koni adjustables and completely blind as I don't have a manual.

 

I've done this on various cars and bikes in the past so I'm confident I can do this easily enough.

 

What I'm asking for are any pointers to help me to avoid mistakes. i.e. taking trim off in the right order etc and what to grease up after or prior to assembly.

 

As always, much appreciated.

 

Simon P.

Well, I started doing my back shocks today. I have only done the drivers side up to now. I'll be doing a bit of a 'how too' with some pics when I have finished.

 

Rob.

 

[This message has been edited by Rob B (edited 17-12-2001).]

Rob, superb, looks like we will be swapping tips on this.

 

How much trim did you have to remove to start on the rear shocks as this is where I will start as the nearside rear is knackered.

 

Simon

You have to remove all of the trim out of the boot, and I mean ALL of it Start with the middle panel at the back (where the boot catch is) then work your way round the sides. The hardest bit is the last panels, next to the seat. I had to force it over the catches for the rear seat, then force it out.

Rob, thanks, I've removed most of this before when fitting a CD aplayer on one side and fiddling with the Aerial on the other side.

 

Do you have to remove any part of the rear seat or will folding it down suffice?

 

I assume you need access to the top of the shock or is there somthing alse that can only be located from inside the car?

 

Simon P

I managed to get the trim out with the seat still in. Although I don't think I'll get it back in without removing the seat. So it might be easier just to take the seat out.

You have to remove the trim to get access to the top of the shock.

Bloody complicated cars. That's what I like about my Caterham. You can dismantle it with nothing more that a Swiss army knife a raleigh Chopper spanner and a big hammer!!!!!!

 

simon p

Watch out for the connectors to the actuators that go on the tops of the rear shocks. Connectors are about 300mm from the actuators. One of mine was disconnected - must have been when someone fitted speakers and accidently pulled it apart. Also make sure that you tighten up the piston rod nut and top mount nuts when she's back on her wheels and before you put all the trim back on. I didnt and wondered why I had a knocking on one side -Doh! Too keen to get back on the road. Also while I remember, if you're doing it on your own you have to practise holding the shocker and spring assy in two hands while you manoevre it into place then while down on your hunkers standing on on one leg you use your spare leg and foot to push down on the bottom suspension arms to enable you to get the lower bolt back in.

 

You have to be there to understand what I mean!

Willie

I did the fronts yesterday - nothing too bad really just have a bit of patience and be carefull what you are doing - it is all too easy to put the shock back in and realise you have sandwiched the brake hose between the shock and the wishbone Apart from that the only other thing is to get the whole front of the car on axle stands then use a jack to adjust the position of the wishbone so you can get a decent ratchet onto the lower bolt as the anti-roll bar gets in the way....

 

Have fun - I know I did

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy