Page 1 of 1

Replacing Rear Shocks

Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 7:04 pm
by Rob101
Hi All,

One of my rear shocks was leaking, so I've bought a new pair. As there are only a couple of bolts I figured I could DIY. Simple question : I don't own a spring compressor - is it required for the job or can the shock be bolted on without compressing the spring??

Any other tips gratefully received before I attack the van with a spanner!

Rob

Re: Replacing Rear Shocks

Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 7:10 pm
by scanner
Just put axle stands under the axle and let the weight of the body compress the springs.

I've only ever used compressors for front springs on struts.

Re: Replacing Rear Shocks

Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 7:12 pm
by wonkanoby
not needed just 2 bolts each

Re: Replacing Rear Shocks

Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 7:18 pm
by Rob101
Thanks guys :-)

I've got a trolley jack and the scissors jack, so between them both should get the alignment right!

Just hope the bolts come off ok :lol:

Re: Replacing Rear Shocks

Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 7:58 pm
by mikeonb4c
Rob101 wrote:Thanks guys :-)

I've got a trolley jack and the scissors jack, so between them both should get the alignment right!

Just hope the bolts come off ok :lol:
Don't work underneath it without axle stands would be my advice. I've seen a 2 ton trolley jack let go when used on a Bongo, and a scissor jack (if used on the jacking points) won't keep the spring in compression.

Re: Replacing Rear Shocks

Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 8:08 pm
by Bob
Mike's point can't be made to strongly.

Axle stands before you go under. 8)

And on solid ground.

Re: Replacing Rear Shocks

Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 8:11 pm
by scanner
scanner wrote:Just put axle stands under the axle and let the weight of the body compress the springs.

I've only ever used compressors for front springs on struts.
..... repeated for the avoidance of doubt.

Re: Replacing Rear Shocks

Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 10:37 pm
by Simon Jones
As said, spring compressors not required as the shocks are outside of the springs. I changed mine a while back and it's quite a simple job but you may find getting the lower bolts undone tricky if they've rusted. Lift the rear of the van and prop securely on stands so the axle is hanging and then use a trolley jack to just allow you to jiggle it around to take the weight off the bolt to allow it to be slid out.

Image

Re: Replacing Rear Shocks

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 9:21 pm
by Rob101
Thanks All - just letting you know I'm alive!

The nuts wouldn't budge, even with copious amounts of WD 40, so off to the mechanic we go!
(he's got a pit).

Rob

Re: Replacing Rear Shocks

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 9:24 pm
by mikeonb4c
Rob101 wrote:Thanks All - just letting you know I'm alive!

The nuts wouldn't budge, even with copious amounts of WD 40, so off to the mechanic we go!
(he's got a pit).

Rob
An all too common frustration to the best laid plans of mice and men, especially on an old Bongo :-(.