fitting new shocks, how easy?

[teeb]

Hi there,

trying to teach myself car mechanics slowly as my dad was useless and could just about manage getting in to a car.

Can anyone tell me how easy it is to change the shocks on my 16v j reg? Will i need any special tools other than spring compressor and is the job easy enough for a newbie? Any thoughts would be appreciated...

ta Teeb.

16v j reg, f reg 8valve.

[Blue MK2]

You might also need a strut tool to undo the front 2 topmounts. Not sure where you can buy this tool but i made one out of a metal electricians pipe.

heres one on ebay...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2455084420&category=9889
Shouldnt be too difficult.

[cheech]

Right, before you start make sure that you have new nuts and bolts that you can use if the old ones snap etc...as the car will be crusty and it could happen.

The back is simple, there is 1 bolt holding the strut to the hub(can be crusty) and then there are a couple of bolts at the top mount.........you may need mole grips or something to hold the strut whilst loosening the bolts!

The front-There are 2 bolts holding the strut to the hub...simple! The top mount is an UNT....unless you have an impact wrench or the special tool...otherwise you can use a spark plug socket which allows you to undo the nut and hold the strut static @ the same time!!!!!!

If you have sprng compressors then thats good as you need them...........do you know how to use them etc...? what are you changing? Do you have complete new struts and springs or what as some parts of the old suspension may be required...If you take your time and do things logically its a piece of piss...good luck

Cheech

[golfvr6]

And you need a slotted nut tool, available from Halfords.

[teeb]

thanks for replies, will be having a go at fitting bilstein/eibach combo when water problem is fixed, car not me of course. lol