I'm trying to take the top nut on the shock off right now and it just won't budge. Is there something I'm missing? I'm using the 6mm alan key in the top and a wrench for the nut.

 

Do you mean the one that holds it in the car? Or the one that holds the assembly together once it is out of the car?

If it is the one that holds it in the car, it should just come right off. We lowered ours today, and didnt even pull off the wiper cowl, and got ours right off with just an endwrench, and only a couple of fingers for leverage.

Now the one that holds the assembly together once it is out of the car has a lot of tension on it. Unless you use spring compressors, there is a lot of force against the upper hat, creating a lot of pressure on the upper nut. With spring compressors torqued down pretty good, the nut shouldnt be very tight at all.

 

I was talking about the one that holds the assembly together. I used a spring compressor and it was stick on pretty tight. I ended up using a breaker bar on the alan key and a wrench. The other side wasn't as bad even though I didn't compress the springs as much.

 

I havent read through this whole thread, but would just like to know if the bump stops need to be cut when installing Swift springs on a GE.

 

This... I was following a printed copy and didnt read this part until it was too late. Pulled both joints loose. Hopefully following the Emergency Spring Install Help thread will help. Also, I stripped the pass side with the 6mm trying to get the bolt looss that retains the spring. Took them to the localdealer on a saturday and one of the shop guys swapped the springs out with ease using their spring compressor and impact wrench.

If that bolt is not coming loose, the tip of the shock piston will definetely strip before the allen wrench, so be careful.

 

okay i added it a little earlier. Its on post #16 now.
hope this helps people out before they get started.

 

No, they do not. This has been addressed in the past a few times if I remember correctly.

 

i just read the OP's post and i had no idea removing the front suspension involved that much work. Looks like i'll have to set an entire day aside to do this once i get my springs

 

Thanks, I think that should save some people some trouble. This was very helpful, thanks for posting this.

TJY

 

how in the hell do you remove the bump stops from the front shocks? i tried pulling at them but they seem to be stuck like hell!

Ahh forget it ill just scrunch up the boot and go at it

 

I think I let me hub hang too low... I can't get it to realign with the hub.... What are my options? Do I have to replace the whole cv joint?

 

nope. first, to put your mind at ease you should not have to replace the axle/joint.

After trying unsuccessfully for an hour to jiggle it into place (and getting it a few times but allowing it to come back out), I ended up cutting the boot retention bracket off the larger end of the boot, pulling the boot back and then you can see how it needs to go in easily. The grease stays in place for the most part, so there is little risk when pulling the boot back for a second. Ziptied the boot back on and it was fine.

I'd recommend picking up a new metal boot bracket before hand so you can do it correctly, as i still have the plastic ziptie on there and need to get back under there to replace it at some point.

may also want to use some rubber gloves in case some of the grease gets on your hands.

TJY

 

What a relief! I think it seperated at the tranny. So its gonna be a squeeze. Thank god it was on the driver side. The hub is facing more towards the ground and when I try to get it back up it sounds like its hitting in that upper boot.

 

Im new on this, I just recently got a 2012 fit. And now im trying to install some Eibach Pro kit lowering springs (temp). Im nearly complete, I installed the rear and the driver's side. The only bump in the road now is i cannot get the bolt in to connect the shocks with the brake arms on the passenger side.

 

Did you let it "drop" (pop the axle)... you'll have to put it back in.

I think the solution is basically turn and slowly push inward until it pops back in.

I used bungee cords to make mine stay put when I installed my Swifts.

 

People/ Read the whole string and do as it says.

1- Tie up those axles first and foremost. At the rear make sure to disconnect the ABS( $200 approx to replace one at Honda)

2 - Bump stops do not need to be cut if using Swift Springs.

3- Take the cowling and wipers off. ( It only adds maybe 10 - 15 minutes at most. Use an impact wrench on those top bolts. No need for Allen key then.

4 - Use a spring compressor before you hurt yourself.

or

Do like I did. One of the guys at my local Dodge dealers is into mods. He did my springs in less than 1 1/2 hrs. Cost - $96 Cdn

 

I did use the bungee cords but it didnt really help. But after 7 hours later, finally got it aligned and able to stick the bolt in lol. But now i have one other issue. My friend thought of unbolting the tie rod for more space. Smart idea....... The nut to the tie rod got loose when I was driving and it popped out. Dangerous I know. But does anybody know the thread size of the tie rod end. I need to get a nut something close to it.

 

This is what I'm talking about.

 

I think your "friend's left one" will fit. If not try the right one.

Failing that try Honda parts dept.

 

Glad I read this DIY. Got my Red 2012 Fit last week and got in a set of Eibach Pro-Kit springs yesterday. Would of not had know of the front axle without reading this. I replaced my Miata shocks and springs with coilovers last year with handtools which I was quite surprised on a 16 year old car. On that car I had to push down the hub to get the shocks and springs out that would be a big mistake on this car. Again I am glad I read this.

My question is would it be better to support both the drivers and passenger side lower control arms and remove the endlinks at the same time to prevent any movement? (I have extra jack stands.) Or am I overreacting?

Also bump stop cutting any rule of thumb on the length to cut?

Thanks

Also found this on YouTube notice nothing holding up axle on passenger side http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0vZ4jRS99w