Out my depth (What's new)

[MRiches]

After a second attempt at my front suspension (on my own) I've realised it's a bit out of my depth of knowledge, as usual, to do a whole change myself.

Previous attempts found I would need to take off the ball joints to get better access to take out the springs as there just wasn't enough room. I now have replacements of both ball joints (along with drop links) on both sides ready to pop on with the change.

So again I'm asking for help, this time for front suspension change

Now I have an adequate road that's reasonably quiet but obviously willing to travel nearby to peeps that have a nice roomy driveway.

I would annoy Skoob some more but his mum says he's got enough on his plate with the two 306's already in his driveway

I hope someone can help me out! I bring beer!

[vlj]

Are you changing the struts/springs? If so there is absolutely no reason to undo the ball joints. Ginges guide covers exactly what you need to do, but tl;dr, undo:
Pinch bolt
Drop link (strut side only for your ease)
Brake line clip

Hammer down the hub off of the strut, then undo the top mount bolts and it comes out

[puglove]

i did offer in your project thread. you dont need to take ball joints out either. makes it harder IMO

[MRiches]

Well I'm changing the whole lot in one over as the shocks/springs I've got already have the top mount, probably why it was so hard to get out as we hadn't taken the top mount off. We had trouble getting the bottom out it's place even using a hammer but there was no room for everything to move downwards, unless the ball joints were removed? As I said, I really don't know a lot. Or have the tools, just bought a ratchet set but realised ratchet spanners would be more ideal...

Jamie where abouts in Wiltshire are you? Just because it is quite a trip but if you're willing to help me I'll be willing to travel

[Dum-Dum]

Keep the top mount bolted up as you hammer the hub off the strut. You will be able to get the shock out the hub just. Beware as you are likely to pull the drive shaft out the passenger side and loose some box oil.

[puglove]

about 10-15 mins from skoobs in a place called calne

[MRiches]

Ok so after another attempt on my own, I broke my ratchet handle, slipped and punched the shock and destroyed a rubber mallet trying to get out the drift shaft with no avail.

about 10-15 mins from skoobs in a place called calne

Are you free this weekend? Would appreciate a hand to finally get this done!

[Grant]

Come to me in South London, and I will have it done in an hour for you

[MRiches]

Come to me in South London, and I will have it done in an hour for you

That's a hell of a long way to go from weston lol. Would be a potential if I was back home but need it sorted before I go back.

[Grant]

Offers there if you need it dude

[Toms306]

Ok so after another attempt on my own, I broke my ratchet handle, slipped and punched the shock and destroyed a rubber mallet trying to get out the drift shaft with no avail.

You used a rubber mallet, for a solid metal object? Surely you could see what would happen there lol, need a metal lump hammer for that, and will do for the hub as well.

[MRiches]

Ok so after another attempt on my own, I broke my ratchet handle, slipped and punched the shock and destroyed a rubber mallet trying to get out the drift shaft with no avail.

You used a rubber mallet, for a solid metal object? Surely you could see what would happen there lol, need a metal lump hammer for that, and will do for the hub as well.

I was trying to do it "gently"

[Toms306]

Gently? Oh right, that's not a method I'm familiar with.... Go in with the hammers and impact gun first....fix all the mess later....