Simple Rear Shocker Question

[Mk3 Kiwi]

Hi, first ever post on a forum for me  I'm about to change the back shocks on my 1997 mk3 16V and was wondering if I'm going to need a special tool to get the whole assembly apart, so I can reuse the original springs on the new units. I've got a spring compressor already. thanks

[spikenipple]

No, you won't need any special tools. You might find that when you try to undo the lower top-mount nuts on the damper piston that the entire piston spins, in which case get the upper mount nuts from both shocks, lock them together and undo the lower nut whilst holding the locked nuts with another spanner.

[gasketface]

A little tip,jack car up on both sides on the bracket where the subframe pivots and remove both shock top nuts completely and then both the bottom one's.You will still need to push the subframe down a bit to be able to get the strut unit clear of the car (stand on rear disc !) but if you try to do one side at a time you will find getting the strut clear is a pain as the still bolted in one will work against you.

[Mk3 Kiwi]

Thanks fellas, most appreciated, I'll follow that advice to the letter. Cheers from NZ