Help, getting the rear shocks off! *pic*

[PieEyedPiper]

I'm doing a shock/spring install right now and so far the front has been cake (minus having to redo one side cause I didn't put the busihings on right). The problem is the rears. I have the bolt on the bottom removed but I can't seem to get the shock out. I've kicked it and pry'd with a bar but they hardly budge.

Here's what I mean. Am I going about this the right way, even? The vfaq and other sources describe this step as "now remove the shock" so I'm at a bit of a loss. Does the shock/mounting even allow for enough play for the shock to slide off that rod?

 

[Auto RS T]

An air chisel with a blunt end on it may work. Make sure you use it near the eye of the shock. Otherwise a hammer and more prying.

 

[eclipsh]

If it is anything like my 1g, some penatrating oil, a five pound mallet and a board to beat on should do the trick



(I love that emoticon )

 

[Pro3racer]

I just sit on the ground, and give it the biggest kick i can(usually about 10 of them) and it flys off, if not, heat it, then kick it again.

 

[GVR4592]

I've had this happen to me a couple of times. I would try the penetrating lubricant and hammer first, if that doesn't work you may have to use a torch and melt the bushing to get the shock off. Sometimes a small amount of heat from the torch will loosen it up and it will slide off, but I've had to melt the bushing a couple of times. I'm sure there are other techniques that work, but I don't have a lot of patience for stuck parts, the torch is usually my first choice. Good luck

 

[jtmcinder]

If you unbolt the upper A-arm (at either end), you will be able to wiggle the entire knuckle, which often allows the shock to slide right off.

- Jtoby

ps. if you use a torch on the shock, please sell it on eBay or DSMtalk, not Tuners

 

[PieEyedPiper]

All great advice. Thanks everyone.
I managed to get both side done using the lay on the ground and boot the living shit out of it, technique.

I was worried since I couldn't get it off by conventional means that I was going about it the wrong way.
Thanks for setting me straight.

 

[jtmcinder]

99% of all DSM jobs use a 14mm or 17mm socket.

100% use a big effing hammer.

- Jtoby

 

[prostreetdsmx1]

If it is anything like my 1g, some penatrating oil, a five pound mallet and a board to beat on should do the trick

exactly what i was going to say. let the penetrating oil sit for a while so it gets in real good. wind up and swing for the fences.

 

[definitiveno]

When I did ine I ran into a similar situation where the bushings in my control arms were tight and pushing up against the shock, or the shock pushing down on the bushing tension (whatever). I just applied weight to the hub gradually, constantly pushing in on the shock until I hit the G spot and the shock slid right out.


I imagine kicking the hell out of it will work too though.

 

[my_precious]

heh i just ran through the same problem with my 1g. i ended up cutting the bottoms with a cutting wheel and then prying for awhile with a big screwdriver, cuting some more, prying, chizzling rubber, prying, getting tired, prying some more, kicking, coming inside etc etc etc

finally i got mine off, but i cut into the damn piece the bolt goes into by accident (with a hack saw at first) thinking it was all rubber and that the bolt held it in...might have to replace the whole thing now or grind off the cuts.

edit: when i say "just" i mean like 20 min ago.