Front damper removal/replace damper bush

[SteveM]

I am in the process of replacing bottom damper bushes but struggling to remove damper from bottom arm. I have removed top mount nuts and seperated head on top arm and also removed bolt that goes through drop link and damper. However there appears to be a bush (or two halves of metal bush) that I am unsure whether they butt up to damper bush or go through it? Any advice?

 

[Zep]

The two pieces you mention butt up to damper bush, not through it, so the damper will slide out once you have the clearance. They will have a fair grip on the damper bush so you will need to get something in there to gently lever the bottom of the damper out of the suspension arm. You will probably have to disconnect the anti roll bar to allow the lower arm to drop enough to withdraw the damper downwards too.

The bushes are a pretty tight in the damper too, are you using a press to get them out?

 

[SteveM]

The two pieces you mention butt up to damper bush, not through it, so the damper will slide out once you have the clearance. They will have a fair grip on the damper bush so you will need to get something in there to gently lever the bottom of the damper out of the suspension arm. You will probably have to disconnect the anti roll bar to allow the lower arm to drop enough to withdraw the damper downwards too.

The bushes are a pretty tight in the damper too, are you using a press to get them out?

Thanks Zep - sort of suspected that might be the case - I'll give a try

I think I read that if you heat bottom of damper you can press them out but do you suggest press better route?

 

[SteveM]

Success - to say they had a fair grip is an understatement. Finally managed to get something behind the head of the front bush and lever it out. I could then drift a punch through that opening onto the damper bush and in turn push the opposite bush out sufficiently to withdraw damper. Just the other side to go!

 

[Zep]

Thanks Zep - sort of suspected that might be the case - I'll give a try

I think I read that if you heat bottom of damper you can press them out but do you suggest press better route?

I didn't try the heating route but it might be worth a try. I pressed them out but it's a trick to get it square to put some pressure on it.

Reassembly is the reverse of removal, but with more swearing

 

[F456M]

Hi StevenM,

just out of curiosity, why do you change the bushings and what is the milage of your car? Or do you do something else to the shockers? I have a car that is lowered about 40mm on the dampers, so I want to take them all out and ajust the spring support up to make the car ride higher. When I first have them out, a good thing would be to replace the bushings. So I ask another question; is there another bushing or shock support plate to replace at the top of the shock too? My car is not very smooth to be honest. I want the comfort to be best possible with the least amount of road noise. Thanks for documenting the process. I am soon to do it myself!

Erik

 

[SteveM]

Hi Erik - photos below are the reason why I need to change the front shock bottom bushes! One was damaged getting it out but they need replacing after 94,000 miles (150,000 KM). New one alonside for comparison

Assuming you have skyhook suspension then the bottom spring platform is adjustable - the top is fixed. If yours has been lowered by 40mm I suspect you just need to raise bottom spring platform. You will need a C spanner (adjustable hook spanner) with 110mm for spring base. Lock ring is smaller - I'm guessing about 75mm

 

[F456M]

Thanks Steven. I would Guess it is a combination of the milage AND the age... Rubber and nylon becomes ard over time. How was the car to drive after you replaced the bushings?? More quiet?

 

[hashluck]

Is the rear suspension ride height adjustable as well? Mine sits a bit low for my taste. (GS with Skyhook)

 

[SteveM]

I am just at the removal stage this past weekend - its the time it takes to remove various components to gain access to the top mount bolts

I will report back in a few weeks after dampers refurbished, new bottom bush and then refitted. I have taken a few photos during dismantling so will try and put together how to thread.

 

[SteveM]

Rears are adjustable on 3200 - same as front. I believe set up on GS the same as 3200 so just need good C spanner/hook spanner to adjust spring platform height

 

[hashluck]

Rears are adjustable on 3200 - same as front. I believe set up on GS the same as 3200 so just need good C spanner/hook spanner to adjust spring platform height

Thanks