Does anyone have a detailed description what has to be removed to remove the rear shocks (ie seats etc) as im gonna do this but have a tendancy not to see that last hidden screw and break things. :headvswal

 

Many thanks

 

BensJammin

Hello mate,

 

I'm afraid to say to get to the rear shocks, you have to basically remove all the trim in the boot as well as the back seat, not difficult at all, just time consuming :)

 

Vijay

Rear shock absorber removal & replacement

 

1) Lower the rear seat backrest, pull the boot carpet up and over the lowered seat backrest and remove the boot hardboard bits,

 

2) Remove the n/s side foam box & the rear facing plastic panel (two big plastic bolts & 2 x 10 mm nuts)

 

3) Remove the n/s side facing plastic covers ( 10 mm nuts and bolts)

 

4) The final plastic cover runs over the suspension turret / speaker area, by undo most of the fixings it can be levered up enough to gain access to the top fixings WITHOUT removing the back seats.

Note: there is screw fixing holding the bracket down that the rear blind sits in this requires removal

 

 

 

5) On the o/s there is an extra plastic cover over the ABS unit this requires removal ( 3 x 10 mm self tapers) only then can the right hand side foam box be removed.

 

6) Remove the o/s side facing plastic covers ( 10 mm nuts and bolts) the boot light is fixed into this panel and has a quick release connector behind it.

 

7) The final plastic cover runs over the suspension turret / speaker area, by undo most of the fixings it can be levered up enough to gain access to the top fixings WITHOUT removing the back seats.

Note: there is screw fixing holding the bracket down that the rear blind sits in this requires removal

 

 

 

After removing the plastic covers as above loosen the top nuts (2 x 12 mm per shock) but do not remove completely yet.

 

 

1) Jack up the car and make safe on axle stands, remove both road wheels,

 

2) Undo the bottom fixing on the shock absorber to lower arm

 

3) Remove the bolt by knocking through, then completely remove the top fixing nuts taking care not to drop them down the turret area.

 

4) Knock the lower part of the shock absorber assembly free of the lower arm, now use a large bar or something similar to press the suspension lower arm down, the shock absorber will now fall down, thread it out upwards through the top of the suspension upper arm.

 

 

5) Removal of the coil spring requires the use of coil spring compressors, with these in place remove the top fixing nut ( 14 mm ) until the assembly is all free, fit up the new shock with the existing spring , bushes and top plate and tighten, be aware the spring has to be in the correct orientation so that the holes at the top fixing match the lower arm fixing.

 

Refit to the car in reverse order making sure that each part is seated correctly, move on to the second shock and the same applies.

 

Before replacing the plastic covers make sure the top fixing nuts are tight, remember to connect the boot light when refitting the o/s panel.

 

 

Hope that helps, first time around a this job needs a couple of hours or so, however with an assistant it really is a 45 to 50 minute job start to finish.

 

Jeff TT

Hi Jeff,

 

I think I explained it - REMOVE EVERYTHING!!! lol

 

Vijay

Great Write Up Jeff ! This could go in the FAQ Storage Area.

Thanks guys. Iwill try it when the sun comes up :D

you can actually get them out without removing the side panels, just undo all the rear fixings & lift them up to gain access to the top shock nuts :)

you can actually get them out without removing the side panels, just undo all the rear fixings & lift them up to gain access to the top shock nuts :)

 

 

or be brave and get a hole saw directly above strut tops LOL

is there a step by step for the front too ?????

fronts are dead easy & just bolt on top & bottom