Tips for replacing shocks

A

AussieShane

Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2018
Messages
31
Location
gone baby gone
I have on the way front & rear Bilstein B6 offroad shock absorbers (stock to 40mm lift) to replace the flogged out OEM's (front) and POS Repco's (rear).

Any tips on removing the old ones? I've heard the upper bolts on the rears can be a PITA to remove and are prone to snapping, so I would really like to avoid that outcome... and any other potential dramas.
 
I soaked my bolts with pb blaster a day before. Needed a socket universal joint with the extensions for an easy flush reach. Fortunately mine backed out as they should.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AussieShane
TJ2 said:
How did you soak the upper bolts at the rear?
Click to expand...

remove your rear wheels & wheel well liners then look above the frame in a direct line with the shocks & you'll be able to see the upper shock mount bolts, there's just enough room to shoot them from there even without any body lift

* you can actually get to them without removing anything but it makes it easier for the whole installation process...
 
  • Like
Reactions: AussieShane
When I changed out my stock shocks for the first time, I greased the bolts and have been doing so every time since. I stopped checking to see if anything came loose a long time ago.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AussieShane
I live in the Salt Belt and was pretty worried about getting my upper rear shock bolts out. I soaked them with Kroil every couple of days for a couple of weeks. Then took a 3/8" impact driver, gave each bolt 1 light "hit" in the direction to tighten them and then reversed and spun them out. Mine came right out without breaking. Good luck with yours!
By the way, I've been to Wollongong several times, I spent about 6 months living in Inverell, NSW and traveling around. I LOVED Australia!!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: JMT and AussieShane
I didn’t have any issues with mine but my Jeep originated in Texas and is now in Mississippi. No rust here.

No swivels just extensions on my ratchets

Good luck. If your not using air I would certainly soak first just Incase especially is your in a salt or rust area


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2005 RHD TJ Sport
2010 BMW 528xi
 
  • Like
Reactions: AussieShane
Thanks guys. I've sprayed them good this arvo with Selley's RP7 (never seen PB Blaster for sale here), but the bolts looks in good shape. Considering the winters here get to a chilling 6 degrees C minimum, we don't have salted roads, so I'm feeling pretty confident, will be giving it a go tomorrow.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JMT
Job done, had no problems getting the top rear bolts out and they were in good shape. The hardest part of the job was getting the rear shocks back in the bottom brackets. I also put plenty of anti seize on the rear top bolts before reinstalling, not that I am expecting to revisit this job any time soon.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Serbonze, JMT and Shane Mckinley
AussieShane said:
Job done, had no problems getting the top rear bolts out and they were in good shape. The hardest part of the job was getting the rear shocks back in the bottom brackets. I also put plenty of anti seize on the rear top bolts before reinstalling, not that I am expecting to revisit this job any time soon.
Click to expand...
Hi,

How is the ride with the new shocks. Just curious to see if you notice any improvement.

Lou
 
AussieShane said:
Job done, had no problems getting the top rear bolts out and they were in good shape. The hardest part of the job was getting the rear shocks back in the bottom brackets. I also put plenty of anti seize on the rear top bolts before reinstalling, not that I am expecting to revisit this job any time soon.
Click to expand...
Good work!
 
Top Bottom
Back