3200 front shock removal

[Almichie]

Hi guys,

I have an on going knocking issue from the front OS suspension area, I plan on remiving the shock for inspection and to make room to take a closer look at the surrounding parts in an attempt to try and bottom out the issue.

Problem is I can't get it out!! Does the ball joint have to be split on the either the top or bottom arm?

Thanks in advance,

Al

 

[hodroyd]

Are you sure it's the shocker and not a bush, have you tried a bounce test to try and find it..??

 

[CraigWaterman11]

I agree with hodroyd, I'm pretty sure the 3200 suspension is like the 4200. Knocking while driving usually comes from control arm bushings than anything else. Though some cars have Strut mount bearings on the top of the strut towers that go and cause this as well I don't think the 4200/3200 has that type of set up. As long as you have the 3-4 four bolts from the top and the nut from the bottom stud you should be able to pull it out. Don't forget you need to jack the car up from the jack support behind the wheel well or another good place to let the suspension hang, or under no load. If you jack the car up under the hub it's loaded and you're not going to be-able to pull it out. The coil over should drop right out. Maybe use a dead blow hammer and tap it at the top after taking all your Hex nuts off.

 

[Almichie]

I've had all four nuts off at the top and the pin out of the bottom of the shock but the arm won't drop down? I'll have another go as I have a set of top mounts, just in case... I'll take the arms off to and see if one of those bushes looks to be suspect... Thanks

For note I have replaced the anti roll bar links

 

[Rex B]

Hi

The service manual says you have to undo the two nuts that hold the top ball joint to the top arm, this then enables you to pull the hub away from the arm to remove the spring and shock absorber. Sounds easy but so did the instructions for removing the front bumper and that was a pig. Best of luck let us all know how you get on and remember to put the same number of shims back when you reassemble the ball joint so the geometry is the same.

Rex B

Manual 3200

Rex B

 

[Almichie]

Thanks Rex, I'll give that a go at the weekend

 

[CraigWaterman11]

+1 at Rex.....he's absolutely right. That's why I should of checked instead of going on knowledge of other cars. I was writing on the go.......Good check Rex. Al would have been really frustrated trying to do it the same way....Sorry Almichie was trying to get you an answer on the go.....Field dropping fuel cell from a 30' RV that lost the fuel pump.