my opinion on the shock replacement task (archive)

the hardest part of the whole operation was trying to get the old shocks out of the tube, you may not have the same problem. i couldn't turn the cap with anything, i got a pair of monkey wrenches and put my entire 185lbs of weight on it and the sucker still wouldn't turn. in other words, i reccomend useing the special tool made to take the top screw off the strutt....oh and be prepaired for a mess when you finally get it off cause it isn't a self-contained unit like your new shocks will be (if they are the original shocks). other than that, be extra carefull with the spring compressor, if you screw up with that thing, people get hurt or die. Give youself at least a day to do it, the first side took me about 6 hours, while the other took me about 4, it wouldof gone a hell of a lot faster if i had all the right tools.
good luck!

Oh, one more thing, when you put the shock and spring back into the car, make sure you have the bolt for the top of the strutt on tight, otherwise it will go clunkity clunk when you go over bumps. the way i got mine in their was i bounced the front end, tightening it while it as i was pushing down on the front of the car.

Follow Ups:

[ Follow Ups ] [ 3-series (E21) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.