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Author Topic: Front Riding Height and "How to" Change Front Shocks/Struts  (Read 1825 times)

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polilara

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Hello

1. Original front shock leaking after 260 000 km, such bad quality. Riding height is 665 from front arc, Normal worn wheels 225/55/16. Is this a correct height or should I change springs at the same time. New shocks seem to be gas pressure type, they may help a bit in height.  Car is 2001 V6, saloon.

2. Do we have instructions for front struts change, where to start, should I replace the corroded bolts in bottom end. I bought also the top bearings as I was told to change them at the same time. Is Camber and Caster adjusted from bottom or top. Perhaps have to go to four wheel adjustment anyway after change of these shocks.

Any comments pics etc most welcome.
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Nick W

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Re: Front Riding Height and "How to" Change Front Shocks/Struts
« Reply #1 on: 21 June 2018, 12:02:03 »

I wouldn't call that life unreasonable.


The spring holds the car up NOT the shock. They both wear out.


Change everything while you're working; shock, spring, bearing and top mount.


Camber is adjusted by the two bolts that attach the shock to the hub carrier. It also changes the toe setting. Caster is set by moving the subframe, and it's extremely unlikely you'll need to adjust it. Basic alignment can be done with DIY methods, but you will need to have the job done properly.
« Last Edit: 21 June 2018, 12:04:05 by Nick W »
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polilara

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Re: Front Riding Height and "How to" Change Front Shocks/Struts
« Reply #2 on: 21 June 2018, 13:28:54 »

I wouldn't call that life unreasonable.


The spring holds the car up NOT the shock. They both wear out.


Change everything while you're working; shock, spring, bearing and top mount.


Camber is adjusted by the two bolts that attach the shock to the hub carrier. It also changes the toe setting. Caster is set by moving the subframe, and it's extremely unlikely you'll need to adjust it. Basic alignment can be done with DIY methods, but you will need to have the job done properly.

Yes, thanks:

Springs holds yes, but new shocks behave like springs, they have a force to lengthen to full length. How about the riding height in front?

What are these "Top Mounts" never done this job before?
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Doctor Gollum

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Re: Front Riding Height and "How to" Change Front Shocks/Struts
« Reply #3 on: 21 June 2018, 19:11:39 »

675 is spot on, 665 is not bad considering age/km :y
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Re: Front Riding Height and "How to" Change Front Shocks/Struts
« Reply #4 on: 21 June 2018, 23:17:18 »

all will become clear when you take the whole strut out, but they're about 10cm in diameter, and sit at the very top, and look rather a lot like this....

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polilara

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Re: Front Riding Height and "How to" Change Front Shocks/Struts
« Reply #5 on: 24 June 2018, 09:22:31 »

675 is spot on, 665 is not bad considering age/km :y

Thanks for top mount pic. Can the top mount and bearing be worn and explain this 10mm loss in height or should I now just order sprigs, too, like proposed by Nick W? Not want to do this twice.
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Re: Front Riding Height and "How to" Change Front Shocks/Struts
« Reply #6 on: 24 June 2018, 10:38:38 »

If you can afford to do it properly, replace the lot :y
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Re: Front Riding Height and "How to" Change Front Shocks/Struts
« Reply #7 on: 24 June 2018, 12:30:24 »

OK, I'll do it all, thanks for all comments, do not want to do it twice.
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Re: Front Riding Height and "How to" Change Front Shocks/Struts
« Reply #8 on: 24 June 2018, 15:52:33 »

Given that the original springs have lasted so long, I'd give them a clean, and put them back on
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Re: Front Riding Height and "How to" Change Front Shocks/Struts
« Reply #9 on: 24 June 2018, 17:27:10 »

Given that the original springs have lasted so long, I'd give them a clean, and put them back on
There's so much wrong with that sentence that I don't know where to begin...

I'll start with... I have a set of 240k mile Elite estate springs in the garage if you want them ::)
« Last Edit: 24 June 2018, 17:28:41 by Doctor Gollum »
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Re: Front Riding Height and "How to" Change Front Shocks/Struts
« Reply #10 on: 24 June 2018, 17:33:30 »

Given that the original springs have lasted so long, I'd give them a clean, and put them back on


They're like shock absorbers; they deteriorate gradually so you don't notice that they've done so. It's only when you replace them, or try a different car that you realise how weak they've become.


Due to the maintenance unfriendly design of the Omega front suspension including the need for an alignment done by somebody competent, replacing everything at once is advisable. Especially when a pair of springs can be had for £40ish
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polilara

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Re: Front Riding Height and "How to" Change Front Shocks/Struts
« Reply #11 on: 24 June 2018, 20:01:31 »

OK, thanks I change everything.
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Re: Front Riding Height and "How to" Change Front Shocks/Struts
« Reply #12 on: 25 June 2018, 20:26:29 »

Given that the original springs have lasted so long, I'd give them a clean, and put them back on
There's so much wrong with that sentence that I don't know where to begin...

I'll start with... I have a set of 240k mile Elite estate springs in the garage if you want them ::)

Go on I'm interested.  To be honest, I'd rather a pair of well worn OE shocks that should have been made to a reasonable spec, which haven't YET snapped, than some cheap ebay shite, that's not.  Plus I'm rather tight.

That said, I'm debating whether to throw some money at my 3.2 when it reaches 200K in about 6 weeks.  It's on 198K now.
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