Removing connecting link between shock absorber and rear axle

[BN6_2197]

Gents, the rubber bushes of the connecting links between shock absorbers and rear axle of my BN6 are worn. According to the workshop manual the links have to be replaced in this case.

Can anybody detail on the procedure how these links are removed? In particular I am interested if the car can be on the wheels why removing the limks or if the wheels have to be removed and the rear axle must stay „in the air“.

Cheers,

Volker

 

[John Turney]

On my BN4, the links can be removed with the wheels on if the car is on a lift. The shocks will have to be removed to remove the links. The new link can be loosely attached to the shock arm, inserted into the axle mount, then attach the shock to the frame and tighten up the nuts.

 

[vette]

The only tension on the link is the resistance in the shock arm so the axle does not have to be supported other than its natural position. But as John said I'm pretty sure the shock will have to be removed from the chassis to be able to pull the link out of the axle mounting.

 

[BN6_2197]

Any hint which tool to use to remove the bolts connecting the absorber to the frame? My standard 9/16 nuts and wrenches are too thick to embrace the bolts completely.

Volker

 

[vette]

Volker, the quick answer is whatever fits. I guess I can remember that some bolts & nuts are a tight squeeze. So first thing is soak then we’ll in line like WD40 or Liquid Wrench. Then look for thinner wrenches. Sometimes u might have to modify your own wrench to fit. So maybe buy another wrench (maybe cheaper) then grind it flatter. Here’s a trick that can work sometimes. Sometimes u can wege a screwdriver along side the flat of a nut and that will keep the nut from turning.