removing the strut and replacing the drop link



Firstly jack the car up and get it secured on axle stands then remove the wheel and lift the bonnet. I started at the top by undoing the strut top nut. You'll need to fit an allen key into the centre of the strut to stop it from spinning as you turn the bigger 19mm nut. Its a bit fiddley as there is a piece of trim in the way but you can force the key by without too much fuss. Personally i did'nt remove the nut completely prefering to leave it on just a few threads so it does'nt drop dowm when you undo the bottom bolts.

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Next up is the drop links. Just like the top strut you will need to hold the centre of the ball joint to stop it spinning as you undo the bigger securing nut. Both ends are exactly the same and the nut on my car was a 16mm. Once both nuts are off just tap the ends with a hammer and they will pop out.


If its just drop links your replacing then replacing them is just a case off refitting the new ones starting with the bottom first then using a lever just lever the anti-roll bar down until the top one lines up then just push it through and do the nuts up. Job done.

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With the drop link out the way its now time to remove the lower two strut bolts. These will no doubt be solid so give them a blast with some WD40. The bolt is a 15mm and the nut is 17mm. Also remember to remove all the ABS and brake hoses from their holders in the bottom of the shock.

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Using your lever just lever the top of the hub out from the bottom of the strut and it should just flop towards you. Now just hold the bottom of the strut with one hand while undoing that top nut with your other hand and thats it, its free. Now just lower it all out carefully and take it to your work bench and fit it securely in a vice.

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