CHANGING FRONT SHOCKS...YAWN I KNOW

[davyG]

Ok, now here's a starter for ten, I have got an old copy of the bible, in which SH suggests that changing front shocks is best left to the professionals.

I have access to the tools and equipment, being a member of the local car club, just how difficult a task is it, ie how far do i have to strip the thing down. Also should I replace the bushes at the same time. B4 anyone else asks I am planning on buying AVO's

Is the Haynes "Simply Remove" Manual for the Sierra worthwhile? and one final question, how can i tell if the springs need replacing as well!!!!

And while I have the thing in pieces what else is worth doing.

I have 88 F S1.5 which drags its exhaust when used on swoopy Norfolk roads! Apart from that handling seems Ok

[GreenV8S]

quote:Ok, now here's a starter for ten, I have got an old copy of the bible, in which SH suggests that changing front shocks is best left to the professionals.

The only remotely tricky bit is compressing the springs if you need to fit/remove them to/from the dampers. You will need a spring compressor the right size for those springs. Most of the spring compressors I've seen are actually designed for much bigger diameter springs that would go on struts. But if you have got the springs already loaded on the new dampers, or have access to the right size spring compressors, there's no problem. Other than dealing with the springs, getting the springs/dampers on and off the car is completely trivial. You would need to set the spring platform heights and damper rates afterwards, which is not exactly rocket science but does need a little common sense.

Cheers,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)

[shpub]

It is included in the new version and providing you have the right spring compressor, it is reasonably straightforward. The problem is as Pete says is that most people don't and this is a major potential problem.

In the first edition, TVR had experienced several incidents where the compressor had slipped and the spring turned into a nasty airborne missle which did a lot of damage to car and owner. This made them very sensitive to the issue and hence the original comments.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[johno]

I have replaced mine on a couple of occasions and did not use a spring compressor to do it.

I would *not* recommend this approach at all, although it is possible. If you hav adjustable spring seats then it very easy without compressors.

As both Steve and Peter have commented it is very difficult to find a spring compressor that fits. This is why I ended up doing them without compressors !!

A Norfolk lad hey !! I am from the North Walsham area
and am often back home to work on my S1.5. Back next over the Easter weekend if you need a hand. It doesn't take long.

Cheers

Mark