I am in the process of replacing my front shock mounts and shocks on my 2003 convertible. I have the first strut off and compressed the Springs to remove the mount. It is off, and I anticipated the shock would then drop out so I could replace it, but it doesn’t move. What’s wrong?

Mark

 

Mark, I can't remember any fasteners. The spring mount rests on a snap ring on the shock body. This clip is a ring around the outside of the shock and rests in a groove. Check out Alexanderthegreat's photos in a thread below this thread.

My 1st thought is that 17 years of dirt and grime,pressed in by several tons of force each time you use the car plus corrosion of the mount, has gunked things up.
A few taps on the spring mount bottom (dont bend it) should do the job.
Btw you have the spring off right?
Idea: got a 2 or 3 foot length of PVC? Turn the shock over, it'll distribute the force nicely.
John

 

Thanks! I think it was just wedged in place. I tapped it with a dead blow hammer and it shook loose. I was trying to be cautious
to avoid damaging anything. I just need to put it back in place and start the other side.