Front shock removal for seal replacement.

[John_Progess]

I have a seal leaking on one of my front shocks. What is the best procedure for removing the shock from the suspension? Thanks and have a good day!

John

 

[AH100M]

Without trying to be nasty, have you tried Section J (that's the right section for 100's, anyway) of the Service Manual? I've followed it for R/R (don't forget the spacer block when re-assembling) and it works. Just follow the directions and stop when the dampers are not attached to anything else. You DO have a Service Manual, don't you?

 

[Bob_Spidell]

The absolute safest way is to drop the spring, but it can be done without doing that:

- raise the car up level on four jackstands on a solid (concrete), level surface and remove the appropriate wheel. Make sure the front jackstands are the kind with a narrow, V-shaped saddle, and position the saddle under the wheel end of the A-arm assembly (between the spring plate and the lower trunnion). Make sure the A-arm is securely cradled in the jackstand saddle
- loosen the bolt that holds the shock arms together
- remove the through bolt on the upper trunnion. You'll probably need a drift and hammer for 'persuasion;' be careful not to damage the threads, and be mindful of the powerful spring under compression near the family jewels :wink:
- with the trunnion bolt out and the shock arm clamp bolt loose, you should be able to pull/pry the trunnion out of the shock arms (careful--you don't want to rock the car, spring or no spring)
- remove the four bolts securing the shock
- replacement is the opposite of removal--use a drift or punch to get the shock arm and trunnion holes lined up before you try to push the bolt through

The weight of the car will keep the spring compressed. As long as the car isn't knocked off the jackstands you'll be OK. Since the lower A-arm isn't moved the spacing is retained (you don't need the 2" spacer).

 

[mjobrien]

For what it's worth I have followed the recommendation of the manual "Section J" as bill points out with good success.

Whatever procedure you use - Respect those springs they have an amazing amount of energy in them even when slightly compressed.


Michael