1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

R/R Front Struts and Rear shocks - How hard can it be?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-16-05, 10:45 AM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
DaveMan1957's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
R/R Front Struts and Rear shocks - How hard can it be?

I'm wanting to r and r my entire suspension on a 1985 rx7. Could someone advise on what I should do. I have never done anything llike this before. thanks.
Old 06-16-05, 11:00 AM
  #2  
Burning Oil-Grinding 3rd

 
Hades12's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Union Mills NC
Posts: 4,094
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Remove the brake line, 4 nuts on the top, in the Engine bay. Two 17mm underneith and pull the stearing arm. Push down and pull out.
Old 06-16-05, 04:59 PM
  #3  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
DaveMan1957's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the tips. Will I need to be concerned with camber, toe or any general alignment issues once I complete the change out?
Old 06-16-05, 05:50 PM
  #4  
Burning Oil-Grinding 3rd

 
Hades12's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Union Mills NC
Posts: 4,094
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
You will need to take it in for an allignment once you finish. By taking them out you screw up all of the settings.
Old 06-16-05, 06:46 PM
  #5  
My wife bought me 2 RX-7s

 
MosesX605's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by Hades12
You will need to take it in for an allignment once you finish. By taking them out you screw up all of the settings.
Not so. The front struts utilize a top mounting block that has four different camber/caster settings. With the hood open, you can see these top of these blocks sticking out of the strut towers. There is a small arrow embossed on the rubber mounts and so long as you reinstall the blocks with that arrow pointing in the same direction as it was when you pulled it out, your alignment will not change.
Old 06-16-05, 06:53 PM
  #6  
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
 
hammmy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Mill Creek, WA
Posts: 850
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by MosesX605
Not so. The front struts utilize a top mounting block that has four different camber/caster settings. With the hood open, you can see these top of these blocks sticking out of the strut towers. There is a small arrow embossed on the rubber mounts and so long as you reinstall the blocks with that arrow pointing in the same direction as it was when you pulled it out, your alignment will not change.
But the smart money on your first suspension R&R is to get an alignment, yes?
Old 06-16-05, 07:47 PM
  #7  
My wife bought me 2 RX-7s

 
MosesX605's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by hammmy
But the smart money on your first suspension R&R is to get an alignment, yes?
If it needs it. So long as the car tracks straight, I'd leave it be. Alignments are expensive.
Old 06-16-05, 09:59 PM
  #8  
Rotoholic Moderookie

iTrader: (4)
 
vipernicus42's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Ottawa, Soviet Canuckistan
Posts: 5,962
Received 30 Likes on 24 Posts
For suspension, it's not bad. If you replace your steering linkage, THEN an alignment is a must.

I had my springs and shocks done last year. When all was said and done the car still tracked straight no problemo. Once I got the steering linkage done this year though, that was a different story.

For alignment, shop around. You only need front wheels done, and some places will JUST do toe-in if your camber and caster are within spec (which they usually are if you measure and take your time). I got mine done in the same afternoon for sixty bucks Canadian at a local SATURN dealership of all places!

For suspension you need a spring compressor for the front, and according to the manual you have to take the hub assembly off, so you need bearing grease and a new grease seal at least. For the rears, you just need an impact, a jack, some jackstands, a partner and a full day to do it right.

We got Eric's rear struts on, we're still working on the rest

Jon
Old 06-16-05, 10:01 PM
  #9  
Rotoholic Moderookie

iTrader: (4)
 
vipernicus42's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Ottawa, Soviet Canuckistan
Posts: 5,962
Received 30 Likes on 24 Posts
Oh.. I forgot to mention. Information is the key to any work on this car. Go buy yourself a Heynes. NOW!. Don't argue, don't make excuses, just do it. The best $20CDN I ever spent on my car.

Then you can also go in the FAQ, and get the chapter from the factory service manual for suspension and read it.

Then you'll be pretty much set

Jon
Old 06-16-05, 10:03 PM
  #10  
Burning Oil-Grinding 3rd

 
Hades12's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Union Mills NC
Posts: 4,094
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Alignment is like $35 Not so bad.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
matty
Suspension/Wheels/Tires/Brakes
12
01-18-20 10:39 AM



Quick Reply: R/R Front Struts and Rear shocks - How hard can it be?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:34 PM.