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[Albatross]

Has anyone changed their front shock absorbers?

I'm hoping to do this, but really need some guidance on what is involved, what tools are needed and how long it might take.

[TheBoy]

Spring compressors, some good trigonometry to reset the camber close, and then a return visit to WIM before you wreck the tyres!

[tunnie]

As we have been discussing, this goes way beyond my skill level.

I am going to have enough trouble doing the rears on mine!  

I would urge a visist to a proffesional place.... especially on a nice 3.2 Elite.

[TheBoy]

As we have been discussing, this goes way beyond my skill level.

I am going to have enough trouble doing the rears on mine!  

I would urge a visist to a proffesional place.... especially on a nice 3.2 Elite.

Its an easy enough job to do, just need to get camber close enough to get it to WIM.  Spring compressors essential!

[tunnie]

As we have been discussing, this goes way beyond my skill level.

I am going to have enough trouble doing the rears on mine!  

I would urge a visist to a proffesional place.... especially on a nice 3.2 Elite.

Its an easy enough job to do, just need to get camber close enough to get it to WIM.  Spring compressors essential!

You about on Sunday, if i cry for help on my springs?

[TheBoy]

As we have been discussing, this goes way beyond my skill level.

I am going to have enough trouble doing the rears on mine!  

I would urge a visist to a proffesional place.... especially on a nice 3.2 Elite.

Its an easy enough job to do, just need to get camber close enough to get it to WIM.  Spring compressors essential!

You about on Sunday, if i cry for help on my springs?

Not sure what she has planned for me.  I'm sure there is something on this weekend, but no idea what or when.  I'll try to ask her when she gets back in, if I'm still awake

[VXL V6]

As we have been discussing, this goes way beyond my skill level.

I am going to have enough trouble doing the rears on mine!  

I would urge a visist to a proffesional place.... especially on a nice 3.2 Elite.

Its an easy enough job to do, just need to get camber close enough to get it to WIM.  Spring compressors essential!

If you are not confident to do it (I wouldn't be!), why not get WIM to do the job? They charge £65 per hour labour.

[Albatross]

I've got spring compressors too

I might see about speaking to Tiny at WIM and seeing if he can fit me in on the Saturday to do the shocks. I still owe him some money from the last time, so he'll be glad to see me at the very least.

I'm still more than happy to pop round on the Sunday to help you as a spare pair of hands though if this happens at WIM

[Pete Elite]

  Hi,
     I did the fronts on my Senator which seemed easy enough but had to change the bolts for new ones as they are use once only bolts and presume the Omega are the same. I'm sure someone can confirm this.

 If they are the same as as the Senator shocks then you'll need a 7mm hex(allen key)to hold the strut while you undo the top nut.

 Also may be an idea to check out the top mounts as they tend to deform after time and usage :-/.

  Pete .

[Martin_1962]

Spring compressors - oh yes I once changed front springs on hte Sunbeam without them - luckily the new ones were short enough to get help and lean on htem to catch the nut

[Albatross]

I've booked it into WIM to get all 4 shocks changed and the realignment done next Tuesday morning. As I was only there about a week or so ago and had the springs changed and the alignment done they are only charging me for the shock swap and throwing the final re-alignment in.

I need the idler arm on the near side doing too, so that's getting done into the bargain.

Result!

[tunnie]

I've booked it into WIM to get all 4 shocks changed and the realignment done next Tuesday morning. As I was only there about a week or so ago and had the springs changed and the alignment done they are only charging me for the shock swap and throwing the final re-alignment in.

I need the idler arm on the near side doing too, so that's getting done into the bargain.

Result!

Good stuff  

Let me know how it goes, got to get both our 2.2's down WIM soon.

[Albatross]

 Hi,
     I did the fronts on my Senator which seemed easy enough but had to change the bolts for new ones as they are use once only bolts and presume the Omega are the same. I'm sure someone can confirm this.

 If they are the same as as the Senator shocks then you'll need a 7mm hex(allen key)to hold the strut while you undo the top nut.

 Also may be an idea to check out the top mounts as they tend to deform after time and usage :-/.

  Pete .

My facelift 3.2 Elite has done 95k miles now. Should I be making sure I buy anything else over and above the shocks? (The springs are new already).

WIM gave the whole lot a damn good wrenching about and diagnosed a problem with the NSF shock and the idler arm, but nothing else. I'm just wondering if there is anything which may be more out of sight and only come to light upon them removing and replacing the shocks.