Attempted to replace the rear shocks with Billies the other day. Started on one side first, thought it might take a day of work on my drive. Checked utube etc for guides. Looks a real easy job compared to the fronts, that is if the steel shock pin isn't seized into the aluminium casing 
][] Seems it's a fairly common problem.
If this happens, you have to hacksaw the pin to remove the shock and then remove EVERYTHING on that side (inc caliper, disc, brake shoes, brake cable, lower control arm) leaving the halfshaft hanging. This includes removing the exhaust, as you can't get the lower control arm bolt out with it in []
I tried whacking it with a lump hammer / heat / puller /Rost off soaking. None of that worked. Of course the thread damaged on both ends. I now have everything removed just to change a shock absorber. I can now take the hub knuckle to be pressed out. Replacement pin is £50 each side[]
I now feel I know my car very well having removed all those bits....just a warning to those who want to do home DIY on their driveway thinking it will only take a day[8|] expect more time and more money to be spent than you think. The components are heavy as hell too, so it's a free workout to look like popeye afterwards.
I am now debating weather to do the other side too while the exhaust is off and I know what to expect...
][] Seems it's a fairly common problem.If this happens, you have to hacksaw the pin to remove the shock and then remove EVERYTHING on that side (inc caliper, disc, brake shoes, brake cable, lower control arm) leaving the halfshaft hanging. This includes removing the exhaust, as you can't get the lower control arm bolt out with it in [
]I tried whacking it with a lump hammer / heat / puller /Rost off soaking. None of that worked. Of course the thread damaged on both ends. I now have everything removed just to change a shock absorber. I can now take the hub knuckle to be pressed out. Replacement pin is £50 each side[
]I now feel I know my car very well having removed all those bits....just a warning to those who want to do home DIY on their driveway thinking it will only take a day[8|] expect more time and more money to be spent than you think. The components are heavy as hell too, so it's a free workout to look like popeye afterwards.
I am now debating weather to do the other side too while the exhaust is off and I know what to expect...
