Replacing rear shocks

[Marc 100]

I've read the how 2 (as I'm no mechanic at all) but I'd like to know if any of the suspension components need supporting in any way before removing the old shock?

Also, is it a straight swap over (I've bought Bilstein B4) or does the new shock need compressing to fit first?

I've found the top torx bolt easy to slacken off but haven't managed to shift the bottom one yet as it faces inward and access is tricky.

Would appreciate thoughts from people who have done this job.

Thanks.

[glynn]

just jack the car up on the jacking point remove the wheel and just undo the to bolts and its a straight forward replacement

[Figgz]

It's no problem with the lower one, just apply some force And the suspension will not need support, but if you want to feel secure so place the jack under the suspension (below the spring).

Good luck! E18 and E20 torx are needed iirc

[mike houston]

not difficult but its tricky to get enough leverage on the bottom bolt when torquing up- i was about 20 n/m short

but nothing has fallenn off yet...