Replacing seat shocks

[BMWManiac]

What is the best method? Trying to collapse the shocks to install them.

[StereoInstaller1]

I used a c clamp, but it was a pain in the butt to get the clamp in there with the shock in its jaws

[BMWManiac]

Yeah, the C clamp that I have is just a tad too short for the stock length of the shock.....

[Tricked 323i]

What is the best method? Trying to collapse the shocks to install them.

Alex,
I use these

http://www.irwin.com/tools/brands/quick-grip

Kevin

[BMWManiac]

Awesome Kevin....I'll be going to home depot with the shock tomorrow to get it

[IRON-E]

Thread jack OP, but along the same line of questions.

Kevin where do you get new seat shocks and price for those things?

[herbivor]

I got mine on ebay. They were $70 a pair I think.

[BMWManiac]

I bought new shocks at the dealer at $34 a pop....2 x per backrest

[Tricked 323i]

I bought new shocks at the dealer at $34 a pop....2 x per backrest

^ Iron this right here. You can get away with 1 new shock per seat as that is how the comfort seat set up is. Alex use this as a guide to break down your seats, Dean did a great write up.
Tutorial on installing my kits blackleahter/repro mtech centers

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82306

Kevin

[BMWManiac]

^ Iron this right here. You can get away with 1 new shock per seat as that is how the comfort seat set up is. Alex use this as a guide to break down your seats, Dean did a great write up.
Tutorial on installing my kits blackleahter/repro mtech centers

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82306

Kevin

Kevin,

I have the sport seats and I was thinking about just doing one shock per seat, but I was thinking that the back rest would then be slanted to the side with the more powerful shock?

I'll take a look at the tutorial. Seemed pretty straight forward.

[Tricked 323i]

Kevin,

I have the sport seats and I was thinking about just doing one shock per seat, but I was thinking that the back rest would then be slanted to the side with the more powerful shock?

I'll take a look at the tutorial. Seemed pretty straight forward.

Alex,
Take both shocks off and keep the best one reinstall it on one of the sides. Take the new one and install it on the opposite side. The old one will give you your balance and the new one will take most of the work load.
Kevin

[IRON-E]

Thank you for the feedback guys.

One more question, once the seats have at least one new shock per side, will they pop up just by only using the mechanism or will I still need to do that manually?

[Tricked 323i]

Thank you for the feedback guys.

One more question, once the seats have at least one new shock per side, will they pop up just by only using the mechanism or will I still need to do that manually?

They will just pop up. While you have your pivot mechanisms off, get rid of the grime and grit in the gears. Spray some Teflon ( I use bike chain spray or drops) coating on them and it will be very smooth. The shocks have great compression to me 2 new shocks is overkill. I have been rebuilding these seats for 8 years now so I know a little bit about them. : ^ )
Just my 2¢
Kevin

[BMWManiac]

Kevin, the tool worked perfect! Still was a pain in the butt, but got the shocks on and the seats are like new. I sprayed brake cleaner, let it dry, then followed up with some white lithium grease....smooth like butter! Now, just need some new seat covers and everything will be perfect.

[IRON-E]

Thank you all