JNJ

So I am trying to install the coilovers on my wagon. I can remove the pinch bolt completely, disconnected the sway bar on both sides, disconnected the headlight sensor and arm, and remove the top 3 nuts for strut tower but I cannot get the shock assembly out of the hub nor lower the shock enough to get it out of the fender. What am I doing wrong and what steps do I need to take.

rice_rocket88

Is the shock actually out of the assembly moving, and you simply can't push the hub low enough? How are you jacking the car up? Just on one side I would make a guess.. which in that case maybe that's your problem, although if you've disconnected the sway bar then you just need to put more weight on it.

JNJ

I used the from center jack point to raise both wheels then placed on jack stands. I cannot get the shock low enough nor can I get it out of the hub assembly.

rice_rocket88

Take your ratchet... shove it in between the pinch portion of the lower hub that's holding onto the shock. If your shock isn't loose even though you took the pin out, it's really just rusted in there. The ratched 3/8" should fit in there and you should be able to pop it out... it's best that you haven't been able to get the top out because you would never be able to get the bottom out next keep at it to break it loose, then it should slide around, you can then force the hub down to clear the top, then pull out the strut. I think there is a diy somewhere that you should be able to see pictures.

timmay77

If I remember correctly, you're in New Albany? If you can wait until this weekend, maybe I can swing by and give you a hand? I was totally free over this past weekend, wish you would have called me......

RCB

I would leave the top of the strut bolted in. It's hard enough to get the knuckle to slide off the strut without it loose and bouncing around. I have a tool that spreads the collar on the knuckle but if you don't want to buy one you can knock the knuckle down from the flat spot on top if you have the strut bolted back in to the strut tower. Just be careful and try not to bend the brake rotor dust shield. Two hammers is the best. One laying in place and and the second one to hit the first.

JNJ

I was in Washington, D.C. Over the weekend. I'm gone again this weekend. I'm going to try a go at it again later this week.