Replacing rear dampers

[bob-the-b]

I need to replace my rear damper and spring units. I've got a 1999 S3 with FIA rool cage and leather seats.

 

Any hints and tips would be most welcome.

 

Thanks.

[Markiebabes]

Bob

Easy job to do

 

Just make sure you support the de dion/a-frame can help getting shock off as it takes weight off mount points

 

When the shock comes away from the top bolt, be careful not to catch the brake line that's on the de dion tube as it can be close

 

The hardest part ( I found anyway ) was getting top bolt in on your own, as it can be a little hard to line up ❗

 

Done this about 3-4 times for friends

 

 

HTH

[Windy Corner]

Bob,

 

I took the dampers and springs off my Roadsport, give me a shout if you need a hand

 

Hex socket at the top behind the carpet, normal bolts at the bottom, protect the chassis and support the De Dion

 

Rik

[Wrightpayne]

happy to help too - mine been off a few times.

 

Ian of Broughton Astley

[millsn]

I use two extensions to create a super long extension for a ratchet. You can then access the lowest bolt from the under rear of the car directly. If you use a spanner on the other (front) side of the de dion tube when the nut/bolt inevitably rotates, the spanner will jam against the A frame and allow you to continue freely winding the nut off the bolt.

 

If you have undone the top mount bolt you can then remove it and draw away the damper under the car. Obviously the car chassis needs to be on axle stands to get the weight off the suspension.

[Billyboy]

Bob - While you are at it Make sure the Bolts holding the roll cage are present if its a dedion that is - as they are often missing as they are hard to get in at times

[Alastair B]

Likewise from the other Leicestershire folks....I can help with this if you need a pair of hands. I removed mine to fit my FIA bar, it was relatively easy...the key is using your car jack or other support to keep the de-dion tube in place and not letting drop. I found by leaving it in the right place and not moving it I could take out the dampers, and then replace, fit bottom bolt loosely first - swing up and without any alignment issues of top bolt hole which could be fiddly. As previously stated checking the slim thickness hex head bolt head is on each side securing the FIA roll bar is in place is worthwhile...this is right above the damper uppermost bolt fixing location.

[Chewie]

It's one of the easiest jobs you can do on a Caterham. I reckon I can whip the rear Nitron shocks off and change the springs in 40-45 mins. Caterhams are so light I use two scissor jacks, the first to support the de dion and the second for the chassis.

[6speedmanual]

Sounds quite feasible, chewie but quite dangerous...... because you might get burt from the flaming by people saying you must use axle stands.

 

Peter

[Chewie]

Don't be a big poof. Why should a scissor jack rated to 1 tonne suddenly be dangerous when it's used to jack up 130 kg worth of Caterham? And two scissor jacks ... It's a Caterham not a Bentley.

 

[6speedmanual]

No, no, not the jacking that's dangerous.... the flaming! 😳

 

Anyway as a separate point, when I've removed/refitted mine, the rear axle can be lifted by hand to line up the lower eye.

 

 

Peter

[rj]

Do not lift on the De Dion tube. It will be a mess when you unbolt the dampers.

 

On a serious note: Two scissor jacks would not be wise. They offer no sideways support and hence the chance of dropping the car would be more than just present.