How to replace rear shocks on a W123 TD

[rickjordan]

Well, I have known that the rear right shock was seeping hydraulic fluid, but yesterday when pulling the car out of the garage, there was a small puddle. I have priced the shocks, OUCH!!!, the question now is how do I access the upper mount bolts in a TD. Anyone out there done this before. I own an air compressor, and flarenut wrenches for the lines, so tools aren't an issue.

[Joe Bauers]

Originally Posted by rickjordan

Well, I have known that the rear right shock was seeping hydraulic fluid, but yesterday when pulling the car out of the garage, there was a small puddle. I have priced the shocks, OUCH!!!, the question now is how do I access the upper mount bolts in a TD. Anyone out there done this before. I own an air compressor, and flarenut wrenches for the lines, so tools aren't an issue.

I've done this job, Rick, but I'll be damned if I can remember. Of course, the top mounting is accessible from inside the car, of that I am sure. Seems to me that it's under the seat, or just in front of the spare tire place. Haine's manual is useless--says to have a service shop do the job. I did it, though, and my recollection is that it isn't all that bad. I can look at my car tomorrow and maybe post again.

Joe B.

[westkill]

Start by lowering your 2nd row seats. There is a panel that runs the width of the car just forward of the floor access panel. Remove the phillips screws securing that, remove the panel and you will see rubber access plugs.under the plug, you will see the top bolt and the fluid line. You will need an allen key set to remove the top shock mount bolt. HTH Mike

[rickjordan]

I would of thought that the top bolts would be higher up. I'll have to look into it. Unfortunately here in CT it hasn't been above 25 in over a week. The last couple of days the high was 10. Tomorrow afternoon/night we are expecting 6-12 inches of snow.

[westkill]

To clarify, the panel you are removing is at the height of your rear floor. If after lowering your rear seats, then remove the cover that hides the ultra secret storage area in the back and where that lid meets your rear seats, you'll see the 4"x36" panel you need to remove. Mike

[rickjordan]

Tomorrow I'll look at these sections. Since my car doesn't have a third row seat, it has that 4' x 36" plywood cover you are talking about. I have also noticed in the past that there were phillips screws in the section right behind the back seats. I haven't order the parts yet. I want to get a look at what I am in for before I get parts. What size allen key will I need?