Coilover Install -- Please Help!
08-09-2011, 04:06 PM
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Coilover Install -- Please Help!
Hey guys,
I know a coilover install shouldn't be hard, but I've hit a problem that I'm curious if anyone's ran into as well.
I've installed the driver side front coilover, and had no problem with that.
I started the passenger side install, following the same procedure as with the driver side.
When I removed the bottom bolt that holds the shock (the one that goes through the shock 'fork' at the bottom), there was a ton of pressure that pushed the bottom of the shock past the hole where it should be connected. Now I can't get the old spring/shock assembly off of the car so I can put in the new coilover.
The bottom of the shock is now at the point where I can't even get it to line up with it's respective spot.
Bolts I have removed (they've been replaced in the pictures, just because I'm at a standstill):
- 2 control arm bolts
- Brake line bolts
- Bottom perch bolt (the one that I now can't get to line up)
The sway bar stabilizer link has NOT been touched at all.
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated with this. Thank you so much guys!
I'LL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO POST MORE PICTURES IF THEY WOULD HELP. Thanks again guys.
I know a coilover install shouldn't be hard, but I've hit a problem that I'm curious if anyone's ran into as well.
I've installed the driver side front coilover, and had no problem with that.
I started the passenger side install, following the same procedure as with the driver side.
When I removed the bottom bolt that holds the shock (the one that goes through the shock 'fork' at the bottom), there was a ton of pressure that pushed the bottom of the shock past the hole where it should be connected. Now I can't get the old spring/shock assembly off of the car so I can put in the new coilover.
The bottom of the shock is now at the point where I can't even get it to line up with it's respective spot.
Bolts I have removed (they've been replaced in the pictures, just because I'm at a standstill):
- 2 control arm bolts
- Brake line bolts
- Bottom perch bolt (the one that I now can't get to line up)
The sway bar stabilizer link has NOT been touched at all.
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated with this. Thank you so much guys!
I'LL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO POST MORE PICTURES IF THEY WOULD HELP. Thanks again guys.
08-09-2011, 05:30 PM
#3
Pics didn't show. You should have the front of the car jacked up high enough to take the weight off both front wheels. If the shock fork is wedged tight against the lower control arm, you may have to use a prybar to pop it loose.
08-09-2011, 06:08 PM
#5
you don't need to touch the endlinks or sway bar..
post pics of what is going on with the install. If you have the control arm bolts removed and the 3 bolts for the suspension, you should be able to slide the entire assembly out.
post pics of what is going on with the install. If you have the control arm bolts removed and the 3 bolts for the suspension, you should be able to slide the entire assembly out.
08-09-2011, 07:22 PM
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It just seems like there's TONS of pressure pushing down on the lower control arm, enough to where even when standing on it, the shock assembly won't budge. Thanks for the replies thus far.
08-09-2011, 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by myclue' timestamp='1312942111' post='20863235
you don't need to touch the endlinks or sway bar..
post pics of what is going on with the install. If you have the control arm bolts removed and the 3 bolts for the suspension, you should be able to slide the entire assembly out.
post pics of what is going on with the install. If you have the control arm bolts removed and the 3 bolts for the suspension, you should be able to slide the entire assembly out.
It just seems like there's TONS of pressure pushing down on the lower control arm, enough to where even when standing on it, the shock assembly won't budge. Thanks for the replies thus far.
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08-09-2011, 08:13 PM
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If you have a long pry bar you can stick it between the lower control arm and the subframe and push it down. Done this when I didn't have anyone to help me by standing on the hub.
08-09-2011, 08:39 PM
#9
I had the same exact problem. What I did was have both wheels jacked up off the ground. Remove the 3 bolts, and remove the sway bar end link. They step down on the brake rotor or pry the entire assembly downward.
08-10-2011, 01:56 AM
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Oh man this sucks! I had it happen to me while doing the install by myself too. Best bet is to find someone to help and have them step down on the rotor while you lift the shock body out. I ended up just cutting the lower portion of the shock fork off with an angle grinder since the shock was toast anyway. Slid right out after that though it will render your shock useless afterwards.