So I'm trying to install new suspension, and I've encountered several issues that I need some solutions to...

1. The right rear lower shock bolt seems to be nearly fused to the inner metal liner for the shock bushing... I can rotate the bolt, but it rotates the entire bushing with it... And when I go to loosen the bolt, it pushes on the captive nut and begins to spread the shock brackets apart...

I'm at a loss with that one...

2. The left front nut that holds the swaybar endlink to the strut is being a pita... The Allen key stripped as I was loosening the nut... I can't seem to keep the bolt from spinning...

3. I'm also having a hell of a time getting the captive nut off the front strut so I can get the spring off it... The Allen key doesn't offer much grip as I'm trying to loosen the nut...


Any and all help is appreciated...

 

1. I had the same issue. I ended up cutting bolt and bushing out and replace with new ones.

 

:/ joy...

Do you have a part number for that bolt by chance?

Also, where did you cut? Once or twice?

 

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...SHOCK+ABSORBER

I think 7 is what you are talking about.


If you can get access to an impact gun then that should help get the nut off to take off the spring.

Are you still using the stock endlinks?

 

Yeah stock endlinks

 

Any chance you can fit a clamp in there? That should help with restricting the spreading bracket.

 

Regarding the rear shock, if memory serves me right there is either a slot for an allen (most likely) to go into the stud/threads for the shock OR 2 flattened sections in the threads were you stick the correct size wrench to hold the stud/thread and as you to loosen/remove the nut with a wrench.

As for the front strut... Do you have access to an impact (air preferred, electric MAY work)? Its a pain to access and remove the top nut with allen wrenches and even using the correct sized allen sockets with a ratchet. The clearance between it and the cowl isn't too helpful. :/ If possible, use an impact to zing the nut off and re-install the replacement the "correct way" without an impact.

Be careful with the fronts, I've seen people knick their CV Boots by dropping the struts on them. Along with that, it is easy for an axle to pop out during strut replacement... I'd recommend keeping the control arm supported with a jack so it doesn't droop down enough to either allow the axle to pop out of the transmission OR allow the axle separate itself inside one of the CV boots as you pull out the strut assembly.

 

My issue with the rear shock is the bottom bolt, not the top...
I did try a heavy duty c clamp and the bracket still wanted to start spreading... Ugh...

I got the top nut off the one strut I was able to remove... Jumping on it apparently worked...

Still trying to figure out the rear lower shock bolt conundrum, and the front endlink nut issue...

 

Try banging it with a hammer and see if it'll break it loose.

I can't think of anything for the stock endlink that'll help with out messing it up.

 

You could just mess them up and get these

http://www.newedgeperformance.com/po...8hondafit.aspx

 

Yup, I bought 7 and 4. I think I cut on the wheel side, the threads are only at the tip. It was pretty rusted out. I'm having some shock noise now, it was under stress (fully extended) for quite a few hours. The ride quality suffered a bit too. When you replace the bolt, don't forget to locktite it. I did and the bolt fell out after a week or so...

 

If you can get a thin enough prybar, try jamming the claw end between the bushing and the bolt head... either side of the bracket that's stuck between them. If you can squeeze it in, you can try to leverage it apart. Hum, maybe the flat tip part the of tire iron?

Even try in combination with the c-clamp (in hopes it gives you enough room to put the prybar in).

 

I was able to get a pair of vice grips on the backside of the endlinks, and was able to get the nut off and back on for the install...

The fronts are completely done now, and the left rear is completely done... I'm still planning on what I need to do to get the right rear lower shock bolt out...

About to go out and do my first DIY alignment... (Wish me luck)