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#1
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Front Shocks: Do I really need to jack the front end?
I've done several sets of shocks throughout the years, and usually try to get by without jacking if I can. Since they are a surface-bolted item (fronts) versus the back ones (fed in from below), is it really even nessesary to get the front end up? Thanks.
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1989 300E 144K |
#2
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Not necessarily if you can press down on the old shock easilly so you can slide it off the top. But it also helps with loosening the bottom 2 bolts. Howver, must be careful not to elevate to much due to springs.....
Correction: As everyone pointed, because it is necessary to take the wheel off to gain better access to the lower bolts, then Yah, jack it is. Although, I seem to remember that turning the wheels may allow good access to the bolts also.
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the sooner you start... the sooner you'll get done If it ain't broke, don't fix it.. Its always simpler to tell the truth... 2007 Honda Accord EX 2007 Honda Accord SE V6 96 C220 97 Explorer - Found Another Home 2000 Honda Accord V6 - Found Another Home 85 300D - Found Another Home 84 300D - Found Another Home 80 300TD - Found Another Home Previous cars: 96 Caravan 87 Camry 84 Cressida 82 Vanagon 80 Fiesta 78 Nova Ford Cortina Opel Kadet 68 Kombi Contessa Last edited by tobybul; 07-31-2007 at 05:43 PM. |
#3
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Yeah, the whole spring thing was what I was getting at. I just planned on jacking the body up enough to gain access, but leaving the wheels grounded for support.
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1989 300E 144K |
#4
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One option is to jack up the front end, then lower the LCA onto a jack stand to slightly compress the spring and take the load off the shock.
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#5
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IIRC, loosen top bolt, jack up to get shock out. You'll have to remove wheel to gain access to lower shock bolts. You'll also need a 12 point 10mm socket, there isn't much room there. As tango... bolt in bottom, lower down on LCA, as you guide shock into place. I've done the fronts alone, rears help to have someone inside car when guiding in.
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83 SD 84 CD |
#6
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Well, if I half to pull the wheel, then I guess I do have to jack it up then. I haven't actually looked at the bottom mount yet, so I wasn't sure.
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1989 300E 144K |
#7
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You could always pay someone to do it!
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83 SD 84 CD |
#8
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Hah! Yeah right.
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1989 300E 144K |
#9
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OK, OK... the first time I did a set, I had help, so when I did the fronts on the 240 it went pretty smooth. Sold the car before I got around to the rears. The front shocks came with a socket for the lower bolts. I bought the first set from http://**************.com and the fronts from http://***********************
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83 SD 84 CD |
#10
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Quote:
I've been reading the FSM for all sorts of front end related stuff recently, and as I recall, they recommend putting a jackstand under the lower control arm to prevent it from moving downward enough for the UCA to hit it's stop. Note, they aren't talking about supporting the vehicle on it, just preventing the UCA stop from taking the load. I'd recommend you double check me on this.. I might have it confused with some other front end related work procedure. No matter how you figure it, you'll need to take the wheel off to get to the lower bolts. You'll also probably want to turn the wheel to provide better access to those bolts. Personally, I'd probably just pop the tie rod ball from the steering knuckle arm so I could rotate the hub extra far for better access.. but I've gotten pretty adept at popping ball joints by now.
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'83 300DTurbo http://badges.fuelly.com/images/smallsig-us/318559.png Broadband: more lies faster. |
#11
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That is serious overkill 12-point sockets are pretty standard anymore.. just need a high quality one with thin walls (I bought mine at Sears or Ace Hardware years ago to replace the cheepo one I chewed into oblivion.. Harbor Freight probably isn't the place to look for one )
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'83 300DTurbo http://badges.fuelly.com/images/smallsig-us/318559.png Broadband: more lies faster. |
#12
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Yeah, 12 point thin wall made in Mexico so you're aware of it's quality! Hey, I'm not going to argue with a free tool. My other sockets are six point anyway. I thought including it was a nice gesture.
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83 SD 84 CD |
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