Dark Wanderer

iTrader: (2)

I'm trying to remove my suspension the install the new one but something is going wrong in the front.

I loosed the 17mm of the shock without removing it. Removed the 2 14mm that hold the shock mount. Now I removed the nut of the lower shock bolt but I can't get the bolt off. I'm just able to turn it about a 1/16 of turn. I removed the sway bar too. Now everywhere I read about the suspension removal says that once you removed the 2 14mm nuts and end links that the suspension if supposed to drop by itself? Mine stay well in the air. When I try to drop it, I'm juste able to get the shock mount off his hole but it just go back in there when I get my weight off. Someone has a clue?

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

Remove the ball joint from the lower a-arm. Its not going to drop, the bushings are all seized up.
Then pry both a-arms down by standing on teh lower one and prying on the other with a long bar or w/e you have to do to make it happen and tip the shock out.
It sucks. Go buy some beer before you lose your mind.

Stein

iTrader: (46)

There is enough grip in the bushings, or the old bushings are siezed that it will seem like the control arm is "spring loaded" so when you push it down the bushings twist like a coil spring. When released it wants to spring back. Pretty normal on a car that hasn't been apart much, if ever.

Picture tutorial here: http://www.miata.net/garage/miatafrontsuspension.html

Another writeup here: http://www.miata.net/garage/shocks.html

Dark Wanderer

iTrader: (2)

Damn... And that is all glued by antirust oil..... At least I have 6 month to do it....

boileralum

iTrader: (8)

I think I did the other method on mine, where you remove the long bolt that goes through the upper control arm. It was still somewhat of a pain, but the end result was well worth it.

paNX2K&SE-R

iTrader: (8)

I recently installed my Tein Flex setup using the technique on CR, it makes the job pretty quick and easy. Don't bother messing with the ball joints thats more of a hassle.

Here is what you need to do to remove the front shocks:



The rest of the pics are on the how to thread: ClubRoadster.net • View topic - How do I suspension swap? Step by Step How-To and more! [ Guest ]

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

Pretty sure thats a ball joint and exactly what I was talking about paNX2.

paNX2K&SE-R

iTrader: (8)

Oh ok, I thought you were talking about pulling the lca/ball joint assembly out of the knuckle before. I re-read the post and yes you were talking about doing what I posted too.

Dark Wanderer

iTrader: (2)

I tried, ok for the bolt and nut, but after the bolt is out, nothing wants to move... I tried to remove the upper control arm but the nut and bolt are stuck... It's been a week I soak them each day with pb blaster.. I really dont know what to do now... Sucks.

Anyone knows a product that would "eat" the bushings? I don't really want to use the torch and put heat on the control arms and bolts

ZX-Tex

iTrader: (15)

I have an alternative method that I used without needing to remove the ball joints. I used a set of the small claw-type coil spring compressors I borrowed for free from Auto Zone. The compressors will fit, tightly, on the springs with the shocks still in the car.

Compress the spring in the car as far as you possibly can.
Push down on the top of the shock to compress it fully.
Remove the top shock mount assembly from the shock rod.
Remove the spring. Be really careful and keep an eye on the spring compressor for slippage.
Remove the shock.

The idea is by removing the spring and collapsing the shock it is short enough to remove without removing the lower ball joint. I prefer this method. I still had to step on the lower arm if I remember correctly but it was no big deal.