Replacing front shocks
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Lisbon
Does anyone know why the lower arm ball joint must be separated from the nuckle to replace the front shocks? This is a hassle for me, as it requires a special tool. All I want is to adjust the base of my Mugen shocks.
Can I do it without separating the lower arm ball joint?
Can I do it without separating the lower arm ball joint?
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: WA
I was wondering the same thing. I remembered this exchange but found no detail. Maybe we need to ask RandyP. Does anyone have a comment on this procedure, especially getting it back together?
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Gregg Lee
[B]Clever.
Originally posted by RandyP
When I took the front shock out, I took out the two bolts that connect the ball joint to the knuckle rather than separate the ball joint. Also, the swaybar ends interfered with removal of the shock because of the brake line support so I had to disconnect the bar.
Originally posted by Gregg Lee
Be sure to be prepared to separate the ball joint on the front suspension to get the shock out.
Be sure to be prepared to separate the ball joint on the front suspension to get the shock out.
[B]Clever.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Lisbon
Originally posted by Scott @ King Motorsports
Luis-
To remove the front shocks, simply un-bolt the upper A arm from the chassis and swing it around to access the shock.
Very simple procedure..
Good Luck!
Scott
Luis-
To remove the front shocks, simply un-bolt the upper A arm from the chassis and swing it around to access the shock.
Very simple procedure..
Good Luck!
Scott
Can I do it without the special tool?
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Lisbon
According to the dealer the suspension will not lower without disconnecting the ball joint. He offered to lend me the Honda special tool required to do this, so I may try my hand at setting the suspension over the weekend.
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The lower arm ball joint connects to the knuckle by two bolts with a torque setting of 64 N-m or 47 ft-lb. This will allow you to lower the lower control arm enough to adjust the shocks. The service manual does say to remove the ball joint instead, but this method worked fine for me.
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Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Lisbon
ok. Several ways to skin a cat, I suppose. Just curious why would Honda document what appears to be the hardest way.
Quick question for Scott, or other experts: how important is it to load weight into the suspension before torquing nuts and bolts? Do you care?
Quick question for Scott, or other experts: how important is it to load weight into the suspension before torquing nuts and bolts? Do you care?
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Lisbon
Job done. Took Randyp route, although I think now I understand what Scott was suggesting. Insteading of threading the base on the shock to change ride height you can thread the shock on the base!
Just unbolt the two nuts that hold the top of the shock, let it drop so that they clear the body panel and turn the top of the shock to adjust height.
Just unbolt the two nuts that hold the top of the shock, let it drop so that they clear the body panel and turn the top of the shock to adjust height.