Hi, I have to change the rear shocks on a 1999 X308. Is it possible to remove them without dismantling half the car, ie can they just be unbolted and taken out through the lower control arm.

thanks

 

You can unbolt and remove the suspension plate under the differential which will allow the control arms to drop enough to remove the shock/spring assemblies on each side. You then need to compress the springs to remove and replace the shocks.

Sometimes the long bolt holding the bottom ofthe shock to the control arm is rusted in place and can be a bear to remove

 

Like rocklandjag suggests, the plate is in the way preventing the control arms from being low enough.

I don't completely remove the lower steel plate, I just remove the 4 bolts on the diff area and loosen the front 4 along the front of the suspension cage. BEND the plate down and the springs/dampers will pretty much fall out.

You can remove the plate if you want but I just use a block of wood to hold the plate down for the lower arms to swing low enough to get the springs/dampers out.

bob gauff

 

Bob -
When you say "BEND the plate down" do you mean to actually bend the metal of the plate, or do you mean to angle it down as much as possible while still being attached? Also, you say the springs/dampers pretty much fall out. Do you mean a spring compressor is not necessary? Thx.

 

It whould "flex" enough to give you clearance.

 

When I was at the dealer we used the 'special tools' to compress the springs and the beaded chain to hold the spring to the top 'hat'.

One old timer in the shop just removed the 4 bolts under the diff and bent the living $h!t out of the lower plate with a 4 foot pry-bar so the springs just fell out. He was known to use brute force and sometimes broke things but this time he had the right idea.

I watched him and I NEVER used the 'special tools' ever again.

Use a tranny jack to bend the plate back into position and re-install the bolts.
I'm talking about doing this on a lift. If you are on the ground with jack stands then just use a floor jack to get the plate close enough to start the bolts.

You can loosen the front row of bolts and not bend the plate but I find it unnecessary.

Car owners can spend the weekend replacing car parts in the driveway but people like me need to make a living and not waste time hanging a car on a lift for a few days to make a few hours labor. (the judicious application of force)

Sometimes a bigger hammer and sometimes knowing where to hit it.

bob gauff