Hi all the mistral failed yesterday on the near side shock and loose drop link. How hard is it to replace the shock(first one I have had to do)
Hi Mate..
Front Shocks are easy to change...Just done the 2 Front ones on mine.
Jack up, Axle stand (Safety 1st),Wheel off.
Removal
Clean off the crud & Spray plenty of penetrating fluid on threads to top mount and Bolt on Bottom mount (plus Gas or similar)
Have cup of tea whilst it errr..Penetrates.
Top Mount
6mm or better still, Adjustable Spanner to hold the spindle still (you'll see there's 2 flat sides on the top of the spindle)
Undo the 14mm Nut (Save the Nut)
Make A note of the order of the Steel & Rubber washers
Put to one side if you are re-using them.
Bottom Mount
Undo the 17mm Bolt (Captive nut, so you only need 1 spanner or 17mm Ratchet)
Compress the shock absorber and remove.
Replacement
Assemble the Rubber & steel washers in the order they came off, placing the bottom ones on the top mount spindle 1st.
Compress the S/A and feed spindle through hole in top mount.
Extend S/A & Line up bottom mount and pass bolt through Hole and hand tighten.
Place the remaining Rubber & Steel washers & Nut on the top mount spindle.
Tighten Top Nut & Bottom bolt to specified torque.
If you are fitting New Shock absorbers, You can use the old nut from the top mount as a lock nut on top of the new one on the top mount if it came off clean enough to re-use.
Wheel on, Lower to ground.
Pat yourself on the Back having saved some money Doing it yourself.
Rear shocks are similar job except both top & bottom mounts are Bolt through Lugs like the bottom mount on the front ones.
Let us know how you get on.
Yesss....My 1st chance to help someone out....Boy that feels good.
