VN Front strut removal and install Q's

[Super_Low 91]

Im just wondering how you remove the front struts an replace them. I have done them on a VR before but not a VN is the much difference? Iv done a brief search but couldn find anything. Im taking out my factory suspension an putting in all new suspension that im ordering from GSL RallySport. Just after a basic guide.,
Thanks

[Dum*P*ster]

I think.. your VN car manual will tell you.. If not, a Gregorys one will

Im sure if you look at it.. it should be straight forward to remove ?

[mischa]

The ball joint is the hardest to get out, if you even decide to do it that way. Unlike the VR it dosent just unbolt.

I just took the whole strut out control arm connected. Much easier, getting the old shock undone was a bit of a bugger aswell from memory... but it can be done! The shock is seperate from the strut in a VN.

You proberly already know you need spring compressors right?

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

How To: Change Springs/Shock

The search function really does work....wow.

[vp_commo]

The ball joint is the hardest to get out, if you even decide to do it that way. Unlike the VR it dosent just unbolt.

I just took the whole strut out control arm connected. Much easier, getting the old shock undone was a bit of a bugger aswell from memory... but it can be done! The shock is seperate from the strut in a VN.

You proberly already know you need spring compressors right?

yeah thats what I do, and drop it off at the brake place to get some new ball joints pressed in and the old pressed out..
I have belted new ones in with a hammmer .. it does work but really doesn't feel very professional.

Dan

[Super_Low 91]

How To: Change Springs/Shock

The search function really does work....wow.

I found that thread but was more after pics an more specific info like torque settings but never mind il work it out.. Thanks for the replies

[VNAer0HDT]

will it improve much on a vn berlina??
and will it fit?

[Super_Low 91]

will it improve much on a vn berlina??
and will it fit?

Im sorry but what do you mean.. is confused

[Super_Low 91]

ok,, how the hell do you do the front struts a got some excel-g from gsl rallysport an cant figure it out but the shock looks different. any help would be wonderful

[SweetWagon]

ok,, how the hell do you do the front struts a got some excel-g from gsl rallysport an cant figure it out but the shock looks different. any help would be wonderful

What part#? Once you have removed the strut, need to compress the springs to remove the strut tops, then remove springs which will reveal the shocks. I found a large stilson wrench the easiest tool to crack the large nut holding the shock in.

[Super_Low 91]

ok,, the bit that got me confused is that my strut that i ordered appears to be different somehow an me an mate have been trying to sus out how the hell the strut stays in there,, obviously the bolt on top keeps the top on an the spring but the bottom that's were we lost an have no idea, how does it all stay in.. probably not making much sense.

the pic is of the strut i got from gsl, its like a replacement cartridge

[SweetWagon]

ok,, the bit that got me confused is that my strut that i ordered appears to be different somehow an me an mate have been trying to sus out how the hell the strut stays in there,, obviously the bolt on top keeps the top on an the spring but the bottom that's were we lost an have no idea, how does it all stay in.. probably not making much sense.

the pic is of the strut i got from gsl, its like a replacement cartridge

It should have came with a large gland nut for each shock?

once you remove everything you will see it, but you need a HUGE shifter or large stilson wrench to remove it, and it basically holds the shock inside the strut. Heres a pic

[SweetWagon]

These should tell the story

[Super_Low 91]

thats exactly wat i was wanting to know thanks heaps for helping to clarify that.

[gslrallysport]

Also DON'T fill the strut body with any oil. Some shocks asks for it, the KYB DON'T!

[azkwazere]

1 Tip which will save epic annoyance.

Put lock-tight (loktite? lock Tite? sp?) anyway, on the castella nut to avoid it coming undone later. What happens is it wriggles loose (even with epic tightening) and then the shock jumps up and down evtually cracking and the fluid leaking out, aka killing the insert.

Had it happen to me and several others have also reccomended this procudre!

aZk.

[tmerivale]

no need for spring compressors! pull the bottom end of the strut out first then jack the bloody thing up. using car stands under the chassis rails undo the top end. i changed all the suspension from a vn calais that i wrecked into my exec it was pedders super lows all round with the springs cut in the back. exec was standard calais was dumped, the exec ended up looking tuff with the calais suspension in it. you can buy ball joint removers and tie rod end removers for next to nothing i picked up both in a fork style that you smack with a hammer for about 13 bucks each from autobarn when they was on special rrp was like 24 bucks each. also got a different style it uses a bolt to push them out for about 35 bucks. worth a look at. spring compressors can break if you buy "cheaper" ones from say super crap and have been used a few times.

[Super_Low 91]

Thanks for the tips,, gonna have a go on Sunday arv. will let you know how i go.,, im sick of low rear an high front its annoying the hell outta me,,