Panda suspension / droplinks - front Overhaul

tools you will need;

Trolley jack (2)

Axle stands x 2

Set of Metric Allen Keys

Set of Torx bits / keys

good selection of Metric Sockets / Spanners
including the "odd" 11 / 15 / 16,

a set / pair of "spring compressors" ( 2)

a Hacksaw / angle grinder

also a pair of replacement Dampers , and a pair of new Droplinks.

If you want to , you could also order NEW ;
rubber boot / sleeves for the Dampers,
and top swivel Joint / Bearings.

OK - on with the Job

Raise up the front of the car,
with the front wheel nuts/BOLTS slackened ,
the vehicle securely planted on Axlestands / ramps, etc.

Remove both front road wheels,
apply Plusgas / release agent to the threads of the droplink bolts AND the suspension Pinch bolts on the top of the Hub = Pictured

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Remove the Nut from the stud / pinch bolt of the Drop link - there will be a socket in the end of the "stud" to make it like an "Allen-bolt / Grubscrew",
these can be either HEX - or Torx,
try and select the best fit.. as there will be a LOT of Torque through this as you undo the nut,

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IF ( when) the socket "rounds out" you will have no alternative but to cut through the Stud of the droplink - I used an angle grinder..BUT a hacksaw will suffice..,

remove both the upper and lower nuts from the Droplink and remove it from the suspension strut.

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1st part over

Strut Removal.

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place a Jack / pile of wood , under the Hub / Brake disc.

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Slacken off the 2 Nut + Bolt sets that tie the Hub to the Damper ( Tight)

leave bolts in situ.

Under bonnet, undo the Nut around the Top of the damper head
( this was Tight + Awkward - needing a "deep" spanner)

wind off the Nut - holding the stud still with the Key = BEWARE = the weight of the whole unit sits on this..!!

Slowly / carefully remove this , and lower the damper assembly

TAKE note of the TOP mount plates orientation ( offset..!!)

then withdraw the 2 x bolts on the hub and you can then withdraw the complete assembly.

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[ATTACH]

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[/ATTACH]

varesecrazy · 08-12-2013

couldn't get back in..,
here are a couple of other pics that will help;

slacken outer Nut to remove strut assembly

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pic of with drawn area

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top of strut head - difficult access

- do this with the strut on the ground , out of car.. With the spring compressors deployed ..!!

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what is left after removal

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varesecrazy · 12-12-2013

more pics of the job for reference,

shiny finished job,

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Louie Bee · 17-02-2014

Originally Posted by varesecrazy

Attachment 127598

I like that pic. I had an alan key socket bit snap in here when I did my dampers

Alternatively you can lock two nuts on the outside of the thread

can't do it when you put the upper 27mm nut on though.

varesecrazy · 4 Weeks Ago

I now use an electric 'windy gun' to rattle .off the top nut of the damper

Zero chance of flaring : splitting the top of the dampers threaded rod

17-02-2014	#3
Louie Bee Panda 100K+ club Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: N.W. Posts: 2,855 Thanks: 88 Trader Rating: 9	Re: Panda suspension / droplinks - front Overhaul Originally Posted by varesecrazy Attachment 127598 I like that pic. I had an alan key socket bit snap in here when I did my dampers Alternatively you can lock two nuts on the outside of the thread can't do it when you put the upper 27mm nut on though. __________________ Last edited by Louie Bee; 17-02-2014 at 23:02.
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