Replacing shocks

[j4gz]

I had some one do the shocks on my car the muppet used mould grips on the rod which made marks on it which then caused a oil leak by damaging the seal and nearly cost me a mot failure. Just wanna know for future reference what would be the best tool or method to use to stop the rod so the top mount can be tightened on .

[steve_k]

If you do use mole grips then wrap the rod with a thick jay cloth first, that way you don't leave any marks on the rod.

[maggspower]

Just don't let muppets near your car, rule no. 1.

Some dampers have a method of holding the rod at the top, sometimes an allen key or hex. You can do it with a rattle gun, there is an element of luck to this though as the rod can spin. Mole grips are a last resort and as above use a rag, and hold it out of the area of travel.

[Grrrmachine]

This Wiki guide explains how to disassemble the struts:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ing_Struts

[hongkongfuey]

I've always use mole grips. I always use thick cardboard. Always goto the nearest to the mount which won't go into the damper. The only other way is use a air impact tool.