Putting in new shocks?

[98PontiacFB]

So I was reading the Haynes manual, and it makes it look pretty difficult.... I was considering ordering the Bilstein HD shocks, since my car is 87000 miles and I dont think anyone has ever replaced.... How hard would this be to do myself? Also, I know it should be in a different thread, but I would also like do my brakes, but once again, this book makes the process look hard.... any advice?

[HokieBird]

Re: Putting in new shocks?

Brakes are really easy.
take the cover off your fluid reservoir
remove some fluid (doesn't take a lot)
unbolt the caliper (don't let it hang by the brake line)
compress the pistons with a C clamp
pop out the pads
pop in your new pads (you should have already put lubricant on the back)
change the rotor if you are going to
put every thing back

As for shocks, the rears are really easy, but the front are more difficult because you have to compress the springs.

[97burnout]

Re: Putting in new shocks?

front is not bad... four bolts and the assembly is out... make sure the lca and brakes do not hang by brake line... you can rent spring compressors for free at schucks auto parts. as long as you bring them back the next day... compress, remove top bolt (which may be rusted out from personal experience, so I drilled it out lol) insert new shock and put back together

[V6Bob]

Re: Putting in new shocks?

So I was reading the Haynes manual, and it makes it look pretty difficult.... I was considering ordering the Bilstein HD shocks, since my car is 87000 miles and I dont think anyone has ever replaced.... How hard would this be to do myself? Also, I know it should be in a different thread, but I would also like do my brakes, but once again, this book makes the process look hard.... any advice?

Here's the order of the jobs, from easiest to hardest:

rear shocks, brakes, pull and replace front spring/shock units, disassemble front spring/shock units

Even if you decide to do the first three yourself, I'd farm out the last one. Hand them your old spring/shock units and new shocks, walk out with new shocks assembled to the springs.

[97burnout]

Re: Putting in new shocks?

nah brakes are last and front assembly is third...

[drkicker]

Re: Putting in new shocks?

I just knocked out both rear shocks in half an hour by myself, so those are easy. Brakes aren't hard, especially if you've done them on any other car before. Drums are harder than discs, but not much more difficult. Front shocks, I'll have to tell you later when I do mine, but they weren't that hard on my WRX.