What you will need for this job: (a) spring compressor's (b) two times 17mm spanner or sockets (c) 10mm spanner (d) 12mm socket and rachet
(e) axle stands (f) a socket for the big nut on top of the shock it is maybe 22mm but I can't remember .
First job is to loosen the big nut on top of the shock while the car is still on the ground don't undo it all the way leave it about level with the top of the thread, This nut holds the spring in place so is very hard to undo when you have the shock off but can be very dangerous if you take it right off as the spring will fly off AND COULD KILL YOU :shock:
.
Second job is to lift the front of the car up on axle stands and take the wheel off the hub you wont to work on, Then undo the ABS cable and break hose from the back of the shock .ABS cable 2 time 10mm bolt use WD40 first though as you don't want to break them, Break hose has a clip that needs to be pulled out.
Then undo the 2 times 17mm nuts and bolts that hold the strut to the hub these can be very tight and you may need a breaker bar on them first
, once you'ev done this you can undo the 3 times (IN YOUR CASE 2) 12mm bolts that hold the strut to the car you should now be able to pull it down far enough to get the strut assembly(sp) out.
Then you need your spring clamps to clamp down the spring enough to loosen the top mount, Once thats done you can take that now loose big nut off the top remove the old broken top plate and replace with your new one. Then it's just a case of replaceing it all and tightening up
.
takes me about 45 min to do both sides
.
rob