Next time I'll read the instructions.
 

So I decided to replace shocks on my '85 300cd. Started on the front ones. Jacked car up, removed wheels, fought with those irritating little bolts, and got completely covered with grease and brake powder (goes well with sweat).

All seemed fine until I noticed that while two rubber donuts came with each new shock, I only saw one donut when I removed each old shock. At this point I had seen no instructions (shocks just fell out of box - no paper with them) so I examined old shocks again and conveniently conclude that the extra donut with new ones is a "spare". Spend another 45 minutes (I'm slow and it was hot) installing front shocks and retire for day.

Next morning, I start on the rear ones. When these fall out of box, along with them arrives a set of instructions. Not being completely stupid, I decide to read them. Immediately see that there is a use for two donuts on both rear and front shocks! The "other" donut on front shock is under the plastic cover and can't be seen without taking the cover off the shock.

After a few minutes of personal dialogue, back to the front I go. Much faster this time but still hot and dirty work.

Moral of this story: 1) hunt for the instructions and read them 2) if you have an important looking part left over after installing a new thing, thats a really good warning sign that something is wrong.

Nic

I'd bet there's not a person on this site who hasn't had to re-do a job because of something stupid. It's always amazing how much faster you can do it the second time.