shock absorber replacement

Just undo the upper and lower nuts....And then take em of... same to put the new on again... No alignment issues at all..
Just replace em and drive again..

Gossy,

There a couple of things to do before the shocks can be fitted correctly.

These days shocks are normally gas shocks with oil. The shocks have to be primed before being installed. To do this remove any tie down device that is compressing the shocks. Allow the shock to expand and then compress until fully compressed. Repeat a few times. This gets any air bubbles out of the system and makes sure that the oil is at the on the lower side of the values.

It is easier to remove the wheel first to allow access to the shocks. Make sure that the axle is supported by axle stands. Remove the old shock and then insert the top of the shock into the top mount. The shock is going to be a lot longer than the space between the top and bottom shock mounts. The shock will have to be compressed to get it to fit.

Make sure that the bushes are fitted before the pin is placed into the shock mount. Fit the other bushes and tighten the nuts, but don't over tighten, the instructions that come with the shocks will say how tight they should be.

The rear shocks would have a lower eye. This also will take some effort to line up and slip on.

After that replace the wheels remove the axle stands and drive away.

Wayne

GQ right hand rear is harder if Gas tank fitted

no gas tank. So it actually sounds fairly simle. No alignment issues etc?

I agree with most of what others say. However, they can sometimes be a bit stubborn for rubber or urethane bushes to slip off/on the eyes bolts - just spray some soapy water on 'em or spit on 'em and they slide in like a,,,,,,,well you know ;)

Bilbo

I guess what I am trying to workout is whether it is worth the effort and my time to do it myself or pay TJM $50 per pair to fit.

cheers,

save your hunge and diy

it's her birthday next week to (or I could spend the money saved on something for the car!). Probably not a good career move though!

If it is as simple as some elbow grease then I will do it myself. I was just a bit nervous on if there was alignment issues etc needed to be done by an expert but obviously this isn't the case.

Thanks everyone.

I have done some that are easy as undo the 2 bolts and way you go. Others way have as well been welded on hammers chisels etc etc. Had to go to a mechanic with one pair once who spent a good amount of time with an oxy.
try taking the old ones off - if it is easy it will only take a few minutes. If not get the quote for fitting written - coz as said they can tke you alot longer than $100 of your time if things go bad

well tried it on the weekend and removed the top bolt in seconds. The bottom one was on so hard to I could not remove it. The body of the shocker would simply spin with it. Tried everything including using an oil filter strap to grip it.

So bottom line is yes it was an easy job and it turned bad so the $100 doesn't seem to bad. I will be talking to them though on not putting it on so tight again!! What if I did need to do this out bush, I would have been buggered.

Thanks everyone.

a rattle gun is not a common tool in everyones shed though :(

I have booked it in for this Saturday. $50 pair for fitting. Still bought the wife the flowers though to stay in the good books.