Posted this in the Suspension forum, but didn't get anything. So I'm hoping I can find something here.

I know this is a very basic thing to do, but I had such a problem yesterday trying to take out my front shocks on my '93 Civic CX hatchback. I could not figure out how to slide the shock out after removing all of the bolts. I tried keeping the 17mm bolt in the bottom of the fork, keeping the 2-14mm bolts on the top of the shock and stepping down on the brakes, but the shock would not remove. I could not get the shock past the top(not sure of the correct name, but they make front camber kits to replace this part). Anyhow, can anyone give me any suggestions on what I can do to remove the shocks in the front. Thanks.

 

FREAKIN DINGLEBERRY, THE SHOCK AND SPRING ARE HELD TOGETHER BY A NUT ON THE SHOCK ShAFT.

They come out as one.

Just take off the fork (17mm and the upper 14mm bolt) and then take off the two 14mm nuts that hold the shock hat to the body. Wha la.

After they are out, use a spring compressor to compress the spring and take the pressure off of the shock hat. Then use an allen to hold the shock shaft and take off the 12mm nut. The hat now comes off and thus the spring.

BE CAREFUL. If you don't compress the spring, it will fly off and probably injure you.


Good Luck.

 

Remove the strut fork on the bottom of the shock and push down on the brake and A-arms I believe they are called. You may have to remove the fork from the bottom side too for better clearance.

Good luck!!!

 

Thanks for the "Great" response d*ck, but I know which nuts and bolts to remove. My problem was that I couldn't get the shock past the upper control arm after removing the nuts. I was trying to find out how I should be going about removing it. But hey thanks for your great response.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DCivic00 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks for the "Great" response d*ck, but I know which nuts and bolts to remove. My problem was that I couldn't get the shock past the upper control arm after removing the nuts. I was trying to find out how I should be going about removing it. But hey thanks for your great response.</TD></TR></TABLE>

You have a serious mental deficiency.

How can the shock be removed if DON"T TAKE OFF THE 2 14's FROM THE TOP?


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DCivic00 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">....keeping the 2-14mm bolts on the top of the shock.....</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

you need some pictures.

and why are you stepping on the brakes to remove shocks/springs? THIS MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL

if you haven't removed fork from the bottom of the strut then you need to.

have you checked the walk through?

 

I know everyone has to start some where working on cars. If this is that much above your head then the safest thing to do is put all the bolts back in, take it to a shop and have them do it for you. Grab you shop manual and read the directions for removing the shock. you are making it harder then it has to be

 

I was stepping down on the break discs not the actual break pedal.

It's really not above my head. I just couldn't get the fork apart from the shock. I loosened the bolt (I believe it was 14mm) that holds the shock in the fork. I just could not get it down far enough to get it out. Trying to see if I did it wrong or if there is something else that I should be doing.

 

spray the fork with PB blaster, and try to pry it apart where the bolt once was.

 

Yeah take that bolt out of the fork there is a grove in the bottom of the shock the bolt locks the shock to the fork if I remember correctly

 

Ok I didn't take the 14mm bolt out of the fork. I will try that and see what happens.

What is PB Blaster? Is that something I can pick up at Advance Auto or PepBoys?

 

PB Blaster is a penetrating oil far better then WD40 and yes you can find it at any one of the stores you mentioned you can even get it at most Wal Marts

 

Found the website and will be going to pick this up. Thanks.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DCivic00 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> I just couldn't get the fork apart from the shock.</TD></TR></TABLE>


See, this is what you FAILED to mention.

The 14mm bolt MUST be removed, not just loosened.

Sometime after it is removed the fork can be a little rusted to the shock, just smack the side of the fork and it will come apart.

 

Yeah I had to step down on the brake disc too, to get it out. I think you got it figured out now Good luck!!