Changing shocks (What tools?)

[Jack!]

I want to change all four shocks on my 182, and rather than paying someone else, I figured I could probably do it myself; there are plenty of guides on here and it seems relatively easy.

At the moment I have no tools whatsoever, so looking for some advice on kits etc that will allow me to carry out the vast majority of tasks on the clio, and most other cars in general.

I was thinking along the lines of the 120 piece socket set from Halfords, that seems to have been suggested a few times round here. Could I do with, or make do with less by buying a set with either more or less pieces?

Then I'll need a jack and axle stands, any recommendations? Are ratchet stands more useful? Will a low profile trolley jack be required/more convenient if the car is lowered?

Is there anything else I'll find useful/required? Breaker bar perhaps?

I'm a complete novice in this regard, but very keen to learn, thanks.

 

[Jaff.]

Spring compressors and yes a breaker bar. Probably a few swan neck scanners too (21mm or 22mm I can't remember)

 

[The Russian.]

Check the top mounts aren't seized,

 

[Jack!]

All the basic pro stuff from Halfords do the job, or will I find better value/quality elsewhere? Being able to take individual tools back under warranty to my local does sound convenient.

 

[Djw John]

Don't need spring compressors for a 1*2.

For the front you'll need a 6mm allan key to go in the top of the shock and a 21mm swan neck spanner to loosen the top mount whilst the car is still on the ground. Get the top mount to the top of the thread but don't remove completely. (Do both sides at the same time)

Loosen the wheel bolts (deep 19mm socket), jack up and axle stand both sides then remove the wheels.

Use a deep 21mm socket on the shock nuts whilst holding the bolt still with your 21mm swan neck spanner. Remove both shock bolts and then whilst one hand holds the shock remove the top mount and then remove the shock. Fitting is the reverse.

For the rear you don't need to jack the car up, I tend to park on a couple of bits of wood to get some height but thats cos I'm not very small!

I can't remember the size of the shock to hold it still, maybe 8mm (I have konis but an adjustable spanner or mole grips would work). Use a 16mm spanner to remove the top nut and slide the bush off.

Use a 18mm socket on the bottom bolt and remove it. The shock can then be pulled out. Make sure you get the bushes as sometimes they stick to the shell. Each rear shock will have a lower bush, upper bush and a metal cylinder that goes between them.

Fitting is again the reverse.

 

[Djw John]

Halfords kit is useful but it wont have a 21mm swan neck spanner, should have everything else.

 

[Don]

The 21mm swan neck was a pain in the arse to get hold of from a shop as Halfords and other factors didnt have them. So went online and ordered it. The rest of kit is in most standard kits.

 

[Djw John]

Aye think mine was from the local tool shop iirc.

 

[S1MON]

Just be careful the Halfords pro socket set I have got is mainly 12 sided sockets, you want a decent set of 6 sided really.

 

[Jack!]

So...

Socket set: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_862443_langId_-1_categoryId_255215

Axle stands: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_898889_langId_-1_categoryId_255207

Trolley jack: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_898893_langId_-1_categoryId_255207

Then get a 21mm swan spanner, looks like an eBay job, can't seem to find one elsewhere.

​And that'll be job done?

 

[Jack!]

Would ratchet stands allow me to support the exhaust while changing the hangers/mounts? It's another job that needs doing...

 

[Djw John]

For an extra £20 I'd probably go for http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_862421_langId_-1_categoryId_255215

Stands and jack are fine as well though.

 

[Jack!]

Does the 150 set have anything extra I'll require, or just 'cause I'm spending the money already and might as well get a bit more that might come in handy in future?

 

[Djw John]

Second option. You can never have too many tools.

 

[Djw John]

Although in all seriousness ratchet spanners are a revelation!

 

[Jack!]

Thank you good sir.

 

[JezzaMac]

I couldn't find a 21mm swan neck spanner anywhere local so Heez and I made this. Works just a well and conveniently by chance fits a 21mm spanner! Have used it loads of times now and its been perfect!

 

[Djw John]

Thats a good point actually, Dave bought a deep 21mm socket that a spanner goes on easily, thats also useful but the above is a damn good diy one!

 

[.Stevo.C.]

I gave up looking for a swan neck spanner and bought an old electric windy gun off eBay lol

 

[Jack!]

Using this guide for the fronts as it seems the easiest to follow: http://www.cliosport.net/forum/show...ruts-springs-(with-pics)&highlight=suspension

John, when you say 21mm socket on the shock nuts - is 21mm specific to the 182? As the guide says 18mm, but the guide appears to be for a 172 variant.

Also, when you put all the bits back on the new shock, and you tighten up the bolt at the top, how far do you tighten the bolt? Do I need to know anything about torque ratings, or can I do this all by hand just by doing things tight as can, without breaking it obviously.

Thanks.

EDIT: and is it advised to support the driveshaft with a stand, some seem to suggest this, others no mention.

 

[Djw John]

From what I remember 18mm is for non sports, 21mm is defo what 172s and 182s use. As for torque settings I run with FT (fu.......lly tight)

it wouldn't be the driveshaft but the hub people support, basically to stop it from pulling the driveshaft out the gearbox. It's better to move the hub either towards the front or rear of the car to get the caliper or track rod out of the way. Some pull it away from the car then Wonder why their driveway is covered in oil.

 

[Jack!]

So the hub can go towards the front or back of the car, but not towards the side (towards yourself, pretty much)

Thanks for the advice all round.

 

[Djw John]

Yeah basically.

 

[James28]

I used a spark plug socket from the Halfords 150 Piece Kit, has a hex thing on top so you can get a spanner on it with the allen key in the top

 

[Budgie]

If they've never been off before, take the car to a local garage. Get them to spin the top mounts off with an airgun and loosely refit so you can undo easily at home.

Can be a right pig if they're all scabby, even with the swan neck etc.

 

[Paprika123]

A spark plug socket will also work for the topmounts.

 

[Greeny.]

I gave up looking for a swan neck spanner and bought an old electric windy gun off eBay lol

Indeed, ive got an RAC one, its actually been quite useful for a cheap tool!

 

[Lee coley]

Pre soak all nuts/bolts in a decent WD/40 type spray.

 

[Matt e]

A big pry bar

 

[Darren S]

Even a long arm/breaker bar couldn't undo the top nuts on my front suspension. I had to get an air-gun on them.

Any yep, they were drowned in WD-40 beforehand too.

​D.