I'm replacing shocks and springs. I ran into two problems on the front. The first is that I can't get the ABS speed sensor out. It seems to be fused permanently. I think I have enough play in the connection to not be a problem if I'm careful, but it bothers me that I can't get this out.

Second, and more important, problem is I can't get the bottom of the shock to budge. I didn't have much trouble removing all the bolts with a bit of WD40 and a breaker bar, but I can't get the bottom of the shock to move at all. Any ideas would be really appreciated.

 

Hit all of it with a hammer!

 

Be careful with the ABS sensor wires. They break way too easily. Best thing to do is to follow the wire into the engine compartment and disconnect it there. You should find the plug ~4" into the engine compartment. Then push it out into the fender. You don't want to pull on those wires as they will break and cost about $275. I don't think there is enough slack to remove the shock with the ABS sensor connected but I could be wrong.

You need to pry the shock up using a long screw driver or small crow bar. At least, that is what works for me. It takes more effort than you would think. Getting it back in can be an even bigger biatch.... On reassembly, keep in mind that there are actually 2 metal sliders in the A-arm and they can be pushed back in to fit the replacement shock as needed.

 

The speed sensor does tend to rust into the spindle. I've gotten them unstuck by getting some PB in there and then tapping a screwdriver against the side of the metal tab that the bolt goes through. If you can get it to rotate a little it will usually loosen enough to work it out in my experience.

 

I'll give that a try.

I knew about the sliders, but I didn't expect the thing to be so tough to get out. I'll try prying it. I don't have a small enough pry bar, so I'll see what I can do with a large screw driver. I suppose a block of wood and a mallet might knock it loose. I get the feeling that if I could just get it to move a little, I could get it out.

I tried tapping on the metal tab (OK, I wailed on it with a chisel and hammer) but it didn't work. One of my patients this morning who is a mechanic also suggested PB. I'll see if I can pick some up after work today.

 

There is another bolt going thru the lower control arm right behind the shock bolt. Loosen that one too, otherwise it will remain solidly clamped onto the lower bushing of the shock.

I spend a good 30min until I noticed that one. DOH!

Dave

 

Yeah, that is for the sway bar end link. That needs to be loose also so that there is enough slack in the control arm to lower enough to remove the shock, iirc....

 

Damn! As soon as I read that, it seemed obvious. I'm thinking to myself "Yeah, I think that bolts the end link from the front sway bar to the lower control arm."

Then I read where Gracer7 writes:

Thanks a lot guys. I can't wait to get home and give this a try. If I get those shocks out, then I'm just waiting to receive the upper shock mounts from Ray. BTW, have I mentioned yet today how amazingly helpful he is?

 

Thanks guys. Dave's and Gracer7's suggestion about loosening the bolt that holds the end link did the trick. A few turns of the wrench on that bolt and the shock practically fell out of the car. Good thing I noticed in my searching the suggestion to support the hub.

DigDug, I got some BP Blaster and went at those ABS sensors again. I was able to get one to twist a bit, but only by hitting it very hard with a hammer and punch from the side. I'll keep working at it and hope that the BP does it's magic and I'll eventually be able to get it out. If I do get it out and cleaned up, I think I'll put a little anti-seize on in when I reinstall it. It really is a pain in the butt to get out.

 

If they are in that tight, I really do suggest just disconnecting the wire and feeding through into the fender. Its easier and takes less time than trying to pull them out. I broke a sensor doing exactly what you did by accident. Didn't look screwed up until I started driving the car again. Expensive mistake.

fyi - Its just about impossible finding a good one used since everyone breaks them when trying to pull them out...

The FSM has the voltage range for a good sensor. Test the sensor if you have problems afterwards.

 

I had enough play in the wire that I was able to get the shocks out without stretching the wire at all. It just bugs me that I can't get the sensor out. If it won't come out now, then it is going to be even hard to get out at some future date. I'll check the FSM to see about testing the sensor. I'm not even sure it is working to be honest. I've been able to lock up the wheels during an autocross event with very hard braking. Not sure what the ABS system on the FD should feel like. It definitely doesn't give me the pulsing that I've felt on other ABS systems.

 

Glad you had enough room to get the shock out. I've managed to swap shocks without removing the sensors, but I still remove them to avoid any trouble with that fragile wire. Removing from the chassis side seems like a good way to go if you can't separate from the spindle.

Still, I'm surprised you west coast guys have so much trouble with those, we've got four seasons (ie snow and salt) over here!

 

The problem is my car spent most of it's life over there. Sea air and winter road salt I'm guessing. The underside of the car has a lot more corrosion than I'd like.

I was able to get one sensor to twist back and forth a tiny bit, easy enough that I can twist it with my fingers. However, it just does not want to come out. I'm giving up tonight, and will see about giving it another go tomorrow. If I can't get them out before my upper shock mounts arrive, I'll just put the bolt back in and call it good.

 

Perhaps I did it the risky way, but I changed springs/shocks last fall and never touched the ABS sensor. I just worked around it and avoided putting stress on the cable assembly. Never had an issue that way.

Dave

 

I'm a NY'er lost in this left coast land of sunshine and happy people. Someday I'll either make it home or forget that snow exists and take up surfing.