Front Shock Trouble

GTHOXR8 · 03-06-2006, 11:54 PM

I've given up!
A couple of months ago I lowered my Forte by replacing the standard coils with XR coils. Could'nt afford to replace the shocks at that stage so I put it off till now.

Got myself some new shocks and tonight I thought I would put them him. Well talk about trouble. Went through the same procedure as when I replaced the coils but when I got to the stage of trying to remove the strut, no way could I get it out!. I reckon the lowered ride height with the standard size shocks has got me stuffed. Had to resort to loosening the sway bar to lower the bottom suspension arm and still that did not work. Had to putit all back in the same as I started. The new shocks did not even get out of the box.

Any one got any ideas or have It totally stuffed up somewhere?

XR6-VCT-2000 · 04-06-2006, 12:15 AM

I think your gonna have to jack the front end right up or put it on a hoist so the font wheels drop all the way down , from what ya saying i think .

T_Terror · 04-06-2006, 12:16 AM

Try spring compressors they made it easier for me when i was doing susp work solo.

Definitely no need to remove swaybars. Just upper wishbone and strut mounts. You need to really step on the assembly to get them out

XR6-VCT-2000 · 04-06-2006, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T_Terror

Try spring compressors they made it easier for me when i was doing susp work solo.

Definitely no need to remove swaybars. Just upper wishbone and strut mounts. You need to really step on the assembly to get them out

As T_Terror mentioned , use a spring compression tool if ya having problems , you should be using 1 really anyway ? .... is that the problem ?- that you cant compress the spring enough to get the shock out ?

JC · 04-06-2006, 01:35 AM

The way you were doing is the way it needs to be done for an AU1. You have to drop the swaybar link mounts, and then you just need to jiggle the shock assembly around as you pull it out. If it's an AU2, you don't need to drop the sway bar links at all.

Spring compressors will not help - the strut is a fixed length, and it is this length that is causing issues, nothing else. It's all about working the angles and a twist and a turn here and there to get those struts out.

Keep at it - it can (and has been many times) done!

GTHOXR8 · 04-06-2006, 09:08 AM

Thanks JC, it is an AU1 and I remember when replacing the coils in the first place it was damn hard, alot of jiggling but I did get there. This time no such luck.
I did put coil compressors on whilst the strut was still on the car as a way of getting more clearance but still no luck.

I will give it another go but I have a few ideas. Will let you know.

Many thanks for all replies.

buickman · 04-06-2006, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

The way you were doing is the way it needs to be done for an AU1. You have to drop the swaybar link mounts, and then you just need to jiggle the shock assembly around as you pull it out. If it's an AU2, you don't need to drop the sway bar links at all.

Spring compressors will not help - the strut is a fixed length, and it is this length that is causing issues, nothing else. It's all about working the angles and a twist and a turn here and there to get those struts out.

Keep at it - it can (and has been many times) done!

Spot on advice. When I sold my AU with IRS the buyer wanted the original springs back on. The only time I used the spring compressor was removing & replacing the original front springs as the Kings super Lows just drop in & there is enough thread to tighten without using a spring compressor.

GK · 04-06-2006, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buickman

Spot on advice. When I sold my AU with IRS the buyer wanted the original springs back on. The only time I used the spring compressor was removing & replacing the original front springs as the Kings super Lows just drop in & there is enough thread to tighten without using a spring compressor.

That is the most incredible avitar! Is that guy real, or computer generated!

He's massive!

BTW, did you have to compress the stock springs much to get them back on. I'm going to attempt a similar job soon without spring compressors. I don't actually have them, but I have it on very good advice that they aren't actually needed!

GK

JC · 05-06-2006, 12:55 AM

You won't need a spring compressor GK. Oh, just realised I am giving you a first & second opinion on that. Oops.

buickman · 05-06-2006, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GK

That is the most incredible avitar! Is that guy real, or computer generated!

He's massive!

BTW, did you have to compress the stock springs much to get them back on. I'm going to attempt a similar job soon without spring compressors. I don't actually have them, but I have it on very good advice that they aren't actually needed!

GK

Massive I thought that myself what a freak of nature I think he would have to computer generated to be that much of a monster or a large amount of human growth hormons.

The original factory front springs need a compressor spring to replace as the shaft is not long enough to start the nut.

GK · 05-06-2006, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

You won't need a spring compressor GK. Oh, just realised I am giving you a first & second opinion on that. Oops.

Just shows how quick you are to respond JC LOL!

Yep you are the good advice that I was quoting!

GK