Introduction
Once the rear strut assembly has been removed from the vehicle, this guide will help you to safely disassemble it. This process is required when lowering your vehicle or changing shock absorbers.
This tutorial is also applicable for the VF Commodore
Difficulty Rating
Tools/Parts Required
- Adjustable Spanner / Spanner Set
- Torx Key Set (Depending on the shock absorber shaft design)
- Spring Compressors + Socket Set to tighten them
Warning
AutoInstruct will not be held responsible for damage to your vehicle or personal injury / death as a result of the information we provide.
Step 1
Fit the spring compressors and evenly tighten them to compress the spring. Continue to compress until the spring is no longer pushing against the top retaining plate
Step 2
- Grasp the centre shaft using Torx key or small spanner (Depending on the shock absorber shaft design)
- Using a suitable spanner, turn the nut anti-clockwise to loosen
Step 3
Once the nut is loose, remove it from the shaft. You can also remove the steel washer underneath
Step 4
Pull the upper retaining cup off the shock absorber, including the rubber spring seat.
Step 5
Remove the second steel washer, plastic dust shield and bump stop
If you are installing lowered springs you will need to cut 50mm off the plastic dust shield to allow for the lowered height.
Step 6
The rear shock absorber disassembly is now finished.
Step 7
Re-Assembly
To re-install the strut assembly, simply reverse the procedure
When re-installing the upper retaining plate, take note of the spring orientation. There is a ‘step’ in the retaining plate and rubber seat which MUST line up with the end of the spring coil. The end result is a hella-flush fitment between the spring, rubber seat and retaining plate
Step 8
Tighten the shock absorber shaft nut to 45Nm.
Once completed, slowly release the spring compressors ensuring alignment of the spring to spring seat as per the previous step. Job Completed!
