Rear shock replacement = wrong angle
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Rear shock replacement = wrong angle
Hey folks,
This forum has helped me a ton in the years I've owned my civic.
I am replacing the rear shocks and have a problem.
I'm using "Monroe Quick Strut Complete Assemblies"
, mostly because I'm going to be selling this car soon and I don't want to mess with compressing the springs etc.
I pulled the old shock and when I put the Monroe in, the end of the shock is slightly off angle to the bracket that should receive it. I'm attaching two photos. I'm sure the shock is intended for this side because I tried switching them and that puts the eyelet completing the wrong way rather than a little off.
I can't really cram the thing in and if I did manage I doubt if the bolt would go through.
Is the part just incompatible or am I doing something wrong? Should I pound on it or send it back?
This forum has helped me a ton in the years I've owned my civic.
I am replacing the rear shocks and have a problem.
I'm using "Monroe Quick Strut Complete Assemblies"
, mostly because I'm going to be selling this car soon and I don't want to mess with compressing the springs etc. I pulled the old shock and when I put the Monroe in, the end of the shock is slightly off angle to the bracket that should receive it. I'm attaching two photos. I'm sure the shock is intended for this side because I tried switching them and that puts the eyelet completing the wrong way rather than a little off.
I can't really cram the thing in and if I did manage I doubt if the bolt would go through.
Is the part just incompatible or am I doing something wrong? Should I pound on it or send it back?
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
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Re: Rear shock replacement = wrong angle
Is the top end secured? Stick a long bar through the sleeve (where the bolt would go on the bottom) and give it a twist until it is fairly straight.
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If it matters, this is an 02 EX.
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
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It won't come apart.
It's very common (and very necessary) to need to do this no matter if the new unit came complete or if you compressed the original spring and changed only the strut. It rarely ever assembles in the perfect spot without "persuasion".
It's very common (and very necessary) to need to do this no matter if the new unit came complete or if you compressed the original spring and changed only the strut. It rarely ever assembles in the perfect spot without "persuasion".
Re: Rear shock replacement = wrong angle
Yea I had to twist my struts a little to get them to line up right. I was able to grab the bottom with 2 hands and twist it. I also had to hit them a little with a hammer to get that bottom bushing into its place.
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Thanks for the help. I'll leave this thread in existence in case another dummy asks the same question...
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
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From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518 Re: Rear shock replacement = wrong angle
Tapered punches are great for getting holes lined up.
So are screwdrivers and pry bars.
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