suspension question

[bigsymo]

hi,
i've got some new springs to fit to my 03 172.

(front) - whats the best way of removing the top bolts - i see that people say that i should use an impact driver, but im too tight and would rather buy a spanner. would a 21mm swan neck and hex key work?
(rear) - is it necessary to remove the top bolts inside the boot?

thanks
symo:S

 

[Dan Page]

front - i used a spark plug socket so i could put a allen key through the middle of it and a spanner onto it to undo the top mounts. i done this last though and undone all the bottom part closest to the wheel first. not very technical i know but i guranantee this is the best way to do it (well was for me anyway).

i have never fitted just springs but for the arse end you will still need to undo the top mounts inside the boot so u can then get under the car, pull ur springs out and put new uns back in and bolt it all back up. simple!

 

[bigsymo]

thanks dan

how did you get a sparkplug socket over the nut? its a 21mm nut and sparkplug sockets are only about a 14mm??:S

 

[Fred@BTM]

front - spray the top mount nuts with WD40 at least 24hours before (makes it easier)

a 1/2inch rachet and a deep 21mm socket "should" get them off

rear just undo the lower 18mm bolts on the bottom of the shock (no need to touch the top ones)

 

[LegoHead]

front - spray the top mount nuts with WD40 at least 24hours before (makes it easier)

a 1/2inch rachet and a deep 21mm socket "should" get them off

rear just undo the lower 18mm bolts on the bottom of the shock (no need to touch the top ones)

This man knows!

 

[Fred@BTM]

he's good eh?

 

[bigsymo]

fred- i've tried the wd40 and the 21mm socket but the nut just turns with the middle bit, it doesn't un do...

 

[Andy GDI]

be carfull as you can damage the centre allen key, its far safer with an impact gun to remove them... they are usually done up far too tight..

pop to a local garage, get them to remove them and then pop back on and just "NIP" them up..

then you can go on at home.

 

[Fred@BTM]

impact gun