Easiest way to replace rear shocks?

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • klavender1
    E30 Addict
    • Apr 2011
    • 400

    #1

    Easiest way to replace rear shocks?

    I'm not changing springs. Just going to replace the shocks with some KYB's. Every write up I've read seems to be written if you're putting lowering springs on. It seems like it should be easy. I'm using a lift, so I assume you just put a trans jack under the trailing arms? Anything I need to know before attempting?
  • LJ851
    R3V OG
    • Nov 2010
    • 7918

    #2
    no






    .
    Lorin


    Originally posted by slammin.e28
    The M30 is God's engine.

    Comment

    • blefevre
      R3V Elite
      • Dec 2008
      • 4287

      #3
      4 bolts. Two up top, one on the shock/mount, one down low. Yep, put a jack under the trailing arm.

      - E30, DSM, Golf R, Mazda 3 Skyactiv

      Comment

      • CHIF8008
        No R3VLimiter
        • Nov 2010
        • 3447

        #4
        this is retarded simple. no you don't need special tools-if you cant rotate your own tires, please don't mess with the shocks.
        -FREEDOM- is cruisin at 80, windows down and listening to the perfect song-thinking "this is it"
        -The Beauty in the Tragedy-
        MECHANIC SMASH!!- (you all know you do it)
        Got Drop?? ;-)
        Originally posted by JinormusJ
        But of course
        E30s are know to be notoriously really really really ridiculously good looking

        Comment

        • klavender1
          E30 Addict
          • Apr 2011
          • 400

          #5
          Thanks for the vote of confidence CHIF. Haha. I assumed it was that easy, but every time I assume something about this car it bites me in the ass. So I like to study on things before actually doing.

          Comment

          • CHIF8008
            No R3VLimiter
            • Nov 2010
            • 3447

            #6
            yea sure thing buddy

            tranny brace under the trailing arm works fine(always did mine on the ground tho)

            hope to it!
            -FREEDOM- is cruisin at 80, windows down and listening to the perfect song-thinking "this is it"
            -The Beauty in the Tragedy-
            MECHANIC SMASH!!- (you all know you do it)
            Got Drop?? ;-)
            Originally posted by JinormusJ
            But of course
            E30s are know to be notoriously really really really ridiculously good looking

            Comment

            • Mullet Bullet
              E30 Modder
              • May 2011
              • 904

              #7
              just do it on the ground, its easier


              Originally posted by nwvb bmw
              That guy is going to lock you in his basement and make you ware a little pirate costume.

              Comment

              • hyperE30
                R3VLimited
                • Sep 2009
                • 2202

                #8
                Originally posted by Mullet Bullet
                just do it on the ground, its easier
                pretty much this or just try it how ever you think its best, not a hard thing to do.
                sigpic
                HyperWerkz

                89 mtech2, s50, AR Kit, borgwarner s362, e-85, 15psi... 592whp
                " enjoy the show "

                Comment

                • mr.vang
                  R3V Elite
                  • May 2010
                  • 4371

                  #9
                  if you are planing to lowering the car i don't recommend kyb. they will be blown in no time with lowering spring/coil. i also recommend replacing the top mount with HD one while your at it.
                  Bought parts from me before? leave your feedback here

                  Comment

                  • klavender1
                    E30 Addict
                    • Apr 2011
                    • 400

                    #10
                    Not plan on lowering car, just returning a good DD ride (what's on there now is shot). And KYB's are a pretty good price and seem to get good reviews for what they are. I'm doing front, back and all associated mounts, bushings, etc. I'll do the rears on the ground. The fronts I'll use the lift. I work at a dealership so it's easy to take it in to work on a saturday morning. Use the lift and have mechanics around in case I run into an issue or need a specialty tool.

                    Comment

                    • KVF
                      Wrencher
                      • Apr 2010
                      • 297

                      #11
                      Ummmmmm... The "shocks" are in the back and are easy as pie. The matching "struts" go in the front and are not. Be prepared to separate a ball joint, pull the entire strut housing from the car, and use a spring compressor before you are able to free the strut from the housing.

                      Comment

                      • klavender1
                        E30 Addict
                        • Apr 2011
                        • 400

                        #12
                        I'm aware and prepared. :D Like I said I'll be at the shop with plenty of special tools and mechanics. I've seen the write ups (with pics) on doing the fronts. Been reading up on it while I save money to buy the parts. Just never saw a write up for the rear that didn't involve replacing springs, so I had to ask. Thanks all for the advice!

                        Comment

                        • jlevie
                          R3V OG
                          • Nov 2006
                          • 13530

                          #13
                          Replacing the rear shocks is really quite easy. I think it is easiest to do with rear of the car on jack stands or if on a lift with the rear at about the same height. Put a floor jack under the trailing arm and lift the trailing arm a few inches. Then remove the two nuts that secure the shock mount, lower the trailing arm, and remove the bolt that secures the shock to the trailing arm. Assembly is the reverse. Attach the mount to the shock, Mount the shock to the trailing arm and lift the trailing arm to seat the mount, and secure it with the two nuts.
                          The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
                          Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

                          Comment

                          Working...