Rear Shock insertion

[machster]

I am having trouble inserting the replacement shock into the rear of the car. I have compressed the spring and reassembled the entire strut but cannot get it fully inserted. when I get the top of the assembly into the fitting, I cannot move the shock up enough to fit into the bottom mount. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Loren]

Lower the car just a tad so that the upper mount will go through. You need a little pre-load.

[machster]

Loren,

Thanks for the response. I am not sure what you mean.Are you talking about removing some suspension components? Do I need to compress the spring again with the shock in the car?

[Loren]

Use the weight of the car to compress the spring -- carefully.

I have done this dozens of times.

[machster]

I am unable to get the top of the shock lowered enough to fit into the three holes after putting the shock in the lower carrier. It wedges in to the underside of the wheel well. The top needs to compress about 3 inches to fit.

[Loren]

Okay, I see now.

You can rent or buy a spring compressor or...

Attach the top 3 studs and bolts first - then carefully use a bottle jack (or floor jack) to push the bottom of the shock up to the mounting point.

[machster]

Thanks Loren. I will try this today. I just picked up the 2003 C4 and am anxious to get her on the road.