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Maxwell Heazlewood | profile | all galleries >> JEREMY J. JAGUAR >> JEREMY J. IN THE WORKSHOP >> XJ8 REAR SHOCK REPLACEMENT tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

XJ8 REAR SHOCK REPLACEMENT

This is my modified 'factory method' of replacing the rear shocks.
Makes the job simpler if you have a good range of tools and access to air.
Makes the job simpler if you have a good range of tools and access to air.		 I also bought a good hydraulic spring compressor.
I also bought a good hydraulic spring compressor.		 Use plenty of penetrating fluid on all necessary bolts and nuts
Use plenty of penetrating fluid on all necessary bolts and nuts
Position index the outer fulcrum bolt head before undoing as this controls rear wheel wheel toe settings
Position index the outer fulcrum bolt head before undoing as this controls rear wheel wheel toe settings		 You can use air or as I did, my 'long arm persuader', then hub and drive shaft are moved to one side and tied to exhaust pipe
You can use air or as I did, my 'long arm persuader', then hub and drive shaft are moved to one side and tied to exhaust pipe		 My 'special tool' for compressing shock up into spring before slipping rod through shock eye to hold in position
My 'special tool' for compressing shock up into spring before slipping rod through shock eye to hold in position
Greater access is gained by unbolting the outer 'A' frame mounting to gain that extra 25mm of clearence
Greater access is gained by unbolting the outer 'A' frame mounting to gain that extra 25mm of clearence		 Mark the position of the spring and mounting plates before applying the compressor
Mark the position of the spring and mounting plates before applying the compressor		 After undoing the 4 top plate nuts, the spring is compressed, bottom arm levered down and spring slid out
After undoing the 4 top plate nuts, the spring is compressed, bottom arm levered down and spring slid out
Whole area clean up and checked while dismantled
Whole area clean up and checked while dismantled		 Good oportunity to apply some rust prevention
Good oportunity to apply some rust prevention		 dismantle shock by holding in vice and undoing top nut
dismantle shock by holding in vice and undoing top nut
Rather tired original against the new
Rather tired original against the new		 The correct order of parts, make sure all is returned the same way
The correct order of parts, make sure all is returned the same way		 Plenty of Copper Eze on large bushings to prevent squeaking
Plenty of Copper Eze on large bushings to prevent squeaking
All assembled correctly........
All assembled correctly........		 Spring held to top plate using zip ties
Spring held to top plate using zip ties		 Using my 'special tool' to compress shock down into spring to be held by rod
Using my 'special tool' to compress shock down into spring to be held by rod
........and ready to slip back into place, making sure that bottom rubber spring seat is properly located by two dabs of silicon
........and ready to slip back into place, making sure that bottom rubber spring seat is properly located by two dabs of silicon		 Well lube the outer hub fulcrum points
Well lube the outer hub fulcrum points		 The compressed assembly is manouvered back into position, 4 nuts replaced and tightened diagonally
The compressed assembly is manouvered back into position, 4 nuts replaced and tightened diagonally
Outer 'A' frame bushes retightened and support frames replaced
Outer 'A' frame bushes retightened and support frames replaced		 Hub ass. replaced, outer fulcrum bolt done up making sure previous index marks line up and caliper ass. replaced
Hub ass. replaced, outer fulcrum bolt done up making sure previous index marks line up and caliper ass. replaced		 Everything tightened up with the minimum of disassemly, time for a good clean up
Everything tightened up with the minimum of disassemly, time for a good clean up
While you're about it, clean up the ABS sensors........
While you're about it, clean up the ABS sensors........		 .........and the mounting points, making sure you clean the reluctor wheel of all debri
.........and the mounting points, making sure you clean the reluctor wheel of all debri		 Sensor nice and clean, especially the earth mounting
Sensor nice and clean, especially the earth mounting
Give uni joints a good lube
Give uni joints a good lube		 And check for play using mole grips with hand brake hard on
And check for play using mole grips with hand brake hard on
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