S2 Exige rear damper change

S2 Exige rear damper change

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Discussion

aww999

Original Poster:

2,069 posts

268 months

Monday 1st August 2016
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One of my rear Bilsteins peed all its oil out last month, after only 20k miles (and about ten years I guess). I've bought a new pair to replace them, hoping to get some time soon to do the swap. Does anyone know of a good guide with torque settings etc? Also, am I likely to need any extra parts once I start taking it to bits? I've no reason to believe that bushes, ball joints etc need changing, it seems very clean and tight under there. I have no intention of getting into a complete suspension overhaul "just because"!

I have all the usual tools, spring compressors etc, but if I need a 7/29ths reverse ended box hammer it would be good to know about it in advance...

james_gt3rs

4,816 posts

198 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2016
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Easy. All you need is a 15mm spanner, 17mm spanner/socket and a jack. Torque is 45NM. Jack up, crack top and bottom bolt (socket on the bolt head, spanner on the nut). Lift out damper, support hub with knees, slot new damper in and do up bolts again.

aww999

Original Poster:

2,069 posts

268 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2016
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Thanks James, I've no excuse for putting it off now wink

keo

2,245 posts

177 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2016
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I did the rear dampers on my elise a few weeks ago, i used a motorbike spring compressor which made the job easier. The inside diameter of the spring is quite small, I found normal compressors quite big and bulky. It was easy with a motorbike spring compressor.

Rich_p

30 posts

195 months

Wednesday 10th August 2016
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As mentioned above, motorbike spring compressors are a must, you'll struggle with normal ones

aww999

Original Poster:

2,069 posts

268 months

Wednesday 10th August 2016
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Thanks for the responses, I managed OK with my regular spring compressors but it would have been a lot easier with smaller ones as suggested!