Front Shock Absorber replacement with pictures.

[kevtherev]

So I've done well over 70,000 now on these shocks, I can't find a document in my previous history to confirm if these are original or have been replaced before my ownership.
So in my efforts to overhaul the suspension the front shocks were listed as to be replaced.
I started with wheels off and a clean up.
Then use a small adjustable to hold the strut whist the nut was undone


The nut was no bother on this side and was duly undone.
Raised the track control arm and undid the bottom bolt (22mm) tapped it out and withdrew the shock

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[kevtherev]

Pictures here

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[kevtherev]

So now we can take a look at the old shock and compare it to the new one
Big difference is the strut diameter.
I bought the intermediate priced standard replacement by Boge.

I have to say the old one on testing felt ok.
Good damping and the same strength as the new one
It was in a poor state and there was a lot of gurgling and crunching when moved, and some signs of oil seepage.
I think it would have lasted a few more years to be fair.



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[kevtherev]

Installing the new shock was a reverse of removal.
The only issue was the nylock nut supplied with the new shock
Unless you thread it a few times it won't go on far enough to allow holding the strut
I used the original this time but the new one on the next.
Lined up the bolt hole with the screwdriver and slid the bolt through.
Tightend the top nut to finger tight then two turns then the bottom up tight.

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[kevtherev]

Tools used
22mm socket on a breaker bar (bottom bolt)
Small adjustable spanner and 14mm spanner (top nut on the strut)
Hammer
Long shank screwdriver
Large adjustable spanner.



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[R0B]

Good write up Kev. Seems your hammer has transformed.

[kevtherev]

Good write up Kev. Seems your hammer has transformed.

Yes the little un wasn't manly enough.