Where the *&%)$( is the shock top mount?

[Mark42]

First off, I got a raging fever, and just came back from seeing my Doc. Got the usual antibiotic and codeine.

Since I am home, I thought I would scope out the car for installing new shocks. So, after consulting with SI, I took out both rear side panels, center folding panel, and pulled back the carpet best I could. Don't see the top shock mount. Looked under the car, and eye-balled the location, and I think its close to the rear seat back latch. Ran my hand under the carpet and sound pad, but don't feel anything.

Am I not looking in the right place? Did they hide the top shock mount so well it can't be found without a full gut of the interior???? :D

Someone please help me out! I am fading fast from the codeine and anti-biotic and funky inhaler.

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: Where the *&%)$( is the shock top mount?

Fold down the rear seat, remove the hatch panels, and fold the carpet up toward the seat. They are on the right and left side where the ledge meets the back of the rear seat.

edit:



Just pop the foam insulators off and you'll expose the bolts.

[Mark42]

Re: Where the *&%)$( is the shock top mount?

Hey Gr8! Thanks. I did feel the foam when My hand was under the carpet. I was reaching in through the hatch. So it looks like after removing the panels in the hatch area, and folding back the carpet, there is just a little bit of carpet that is tucked under the sail panel that needs to be worked out before the shock top bolts are accessible, riht?

Excuse me if this is rambling, my head is nodding as I am typing.

New KYB replacemnt shocks and other parts will be here Thursday, just in time for the weekend.

BTW, SI software was very weak in this area. Ok, ok, ok.... it really sucked the big one in this area. :D

Mark

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: Where the *&%)$( is the shock top mount?

Hey Gr8! Thanks. I did feel the foam when My hand was under the carpet. I was reaching in through the hatch. So it looks like after removing the panels in the hatch area, and folding back the carpet, there is just a little bit of carpet that is tucked under the sail panel that needs to be worked out before the shock top bolts are accessible, riht?

Mark

Correct. Then you'll just need an open end wrench and a small crescent to keep the shock from spinning. I believe it's a 13mm but I'm not completely sure.

[ssms5411]

Re: Where the *&%)$( is the shock top mount?

The bolts differ, I think the Blistens were like a 17-18mm and my QA-1's is a 14mm, no biggie though just have some deep sockets on hand.

[firebird19_99]

Re: Where the *&%)$( is the shock top mount?

just changed mine 2 days ago really easy to do as long as you have the right tools took me about 2 hours and most of it was finding the tools. just put kyb gr2's and feels alot better than before

used this guide and it helped alot:
http://ls1howto.com/index.php?article=8

[Bird_Of_Prey]

Re: Where the *&%)$( is the shock top mount?

You don't need to pull the carpet. There should already be "cut outs" over that location. Every 4th gen i've had has had it. Just give the carpet in that area a tug and it should pull up like a flap.

[cam98aro]

Re: Where the *&%)$( is the shock top mount?

Correct. Then you'll just need an open end wrench and a small crescent to keep the shock from spinning. I believe it's a 13mm but I'm not completely sure.

i had to use a pair of vice grips to stop the shock from turning because the bolt was either rusty, or i stripped it out, just just a tip.

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: Where the *&%)$( is the shock top mount?

You don't need to pull the carpet. There should already be "cut outs" over that location. Every 4th gen i've had has had it. Just give the carpet in that area a tug and it should pull up like a flap.

Interesting. I know mine didn't have that, but it wouldn't be hard to make your own. A utility knife around the foam if you don't have the cutout would make the swap faster and easier.

[cam98aro]

Re: Where the *&%)$( is the shock top mount?

Interesting. I know mine didn't have that, but it wouldn't be hard to make your own. A utility knife around the foam if you don't have the cutout would make the swap faster and easier.

i dont remember my car having this either.

there MAY have been a tiny slit back there, but it would still require ripping the carpet all the way back

[tkoforpresident]

Re: Where the *&%)$( is the shock top mount?

mine had the slit opening for the mounts... only problem is that i didn't see it first time i looked so i tore out all my stereo equipment in lieu of taking the carpet off...

[Mark42]

Re: Where the *&%)$( is the shock top mount?

mine had the slit opening for the mounts... only problem is that i didn't see it first time i looked so i tore out all my stereo equipment in lieu of taking the carpet off...

Where is the slit? Can you take a pic? I checked the carpet, but no opening I could find where the shock should be.

[Mark42]

Re: Where the *&%)$( is the shock top mount?

Where is the slit? Can you take a pic? I checked the carpet, but no opening I could find where the shock should be.

Ok, after pulling back the carpet, I see the outline for cutting open the access flap. It can be seen from the face side of the carpet without pulling it all back, once you know to look for it. Fold the seat back down. Its on the vertical face of the carpet covered by the seat back when its up. Right near the seat back latch pins.