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Post by 205GRD on Jun 10, 2013 16:34:56 GMT
Hi All,
I am needing to change the front shock absorbers on my 304, and looking in the various manuals (both Haynes and Peugeot Workshop Manuals), it seems quite straightforward to remove the strut assembly, but to disassemble this and to remove the spring etc. seems to be a rather more complex operation involving various "Special" tools. I wondered if anyone had any hints and tips on best ways to achieve this without any of the Peugeot special tools before I go and start disassembling everything and getting stuck halfway through!
For info the car is a 1973 304 Cab S if it makes any difference
Cheers
Doug
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Post by Dave45 on Jun 10, 2013 20:57:30 GMT
I think the special tool are the ones to remove the ball joint and the other to remove the brake discs. I stripped mine and had no other issues. The only thing is the shockers are inserts and are oil filled. Remove the top of the insert using a hammer and chisel, then a pair of water pump pliers. Like on a 106. However, the oil that goes inside is no longer available, and even if you find someone who has a can of it, it will have gone off by now. As an alternative I used hydraulic jack oil which is SAE 10 and nice and thin. Each shocker holds 330ml which is the exact amount a bottle of stella!!
Go for it and don't fear the need for special tools! It just makes it awkward to strip with the suspension arm attached, but not impossible.
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Post by 205GRD on Jun 12, 2013 21:15:06 GMT
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the hints and tips, It's giving me the confidence to get stuck into the job and get started!
Doug
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Post by Dave45 on Jun 12, 2013 21:52:09 GMT
Like I say, it's a little awkward to remove the spring with the hub and suspension arm attached but certainly do-able. One tip for you - There are water drain holes on the leg inner part where the spring sits at the bottom. They get blocked up with dirt, corrode and block up. Poke through the holes with a small crew driver and or an 1/8th drill bit so water can escape in the future.
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Post by colliwobble on Feb 25, 2014 13:53:31 GMT
Hi Dave
just joined the club and in the process of renovating my 304 1972 Cabriolet.
i am in the process of replacing the inserts on the front shock absorbers which are a sealed unit.
do you still need to add oil to the McPherson strut chamber. Like the tip about holes in the base spring hanger,
! The original ones are completely rotten!!!
thanks
chris
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Post by Dave45 on Feb 25, 2014 22:00:52 GMT
Hi Chris
If your inserts are a sealed unit then it's different from mine. Your type of strut sounds more modern in design similar to say a citroen AX that uses a sealed hydraulic strut insert. As for oil, then yes just pour a bit of engine oil in the bottom of the chamber where the insert sits. It helps with heat transfer and will prolong the life of the insert.
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Post by colliwobble on Feb 26, 2014 16:40:24 GMT
Thanks Dave
Thanks for the info I will add a little oil to the chamber, rebuild and see what is in store on the n/s/f suspension !!
Thanks chris
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Post by colliwobble on Feb 26, 2014 16:41:34 GMT
Thanks Dave
Thanks for the info I will add a little oil to the chamber, rebuild and see what is in store on the n/s/f suspension !!
Thanks chris
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Post by Dave45 on Feb 26, 2014 18:54:28 GMT
A new strut insert and a ball joint kit and you'll be fine. Plenty of them on ebay.
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Post by 205GRD on Mar 2, 2014 17:45:50 GMT
Hi Dave/Chris,
Parts available readily on ebay - That's where I got mine from. Job was relatively straight forward, just take your time and you'll get there. Most fiddly bit was getting the top nut on as the rod had a habit of dropping into the insert. Mine handles much better now.
Chris - your inserts are probably replacements as sealed units. The original Peugeot shocks involve various bits and can be rebuilt with new seals (I kept mine for a future job) but if you just replace them with more modern sealed inserts they are fine.
Doug
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Post by Dave45 on Mar 2, 2014 20:12:28 GMT
So can the old 'wet' style shocker can be replaced with the insert type? That's very interesting! I may convert mine in that case! Cheers for that!
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Post by 205GRD on Mar 3, 2014 21:39:44 GMT
500 miles and an MOT pass at the weekend seem to suggest it is all fine so far.
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Post by Dave45 on Mar 3, 2014 22:33:27 GMT
Nice work!!
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Post by colliwobble on Mar 6, 2014 21:22:02 GMT
Managed to get new anti roll bar tie link set from Serie 04 and Franceauto and new shock absorber closure nuts as I had to hack saw them out of the strut.
Unfortunately one of the lower spring hangers on the McPherson strut was rotten, it had not got any holes in to let the water out (See Dave's suggestion above). Fortunately I have a donor car that saved the day!
Nothing is never easy on old classic cars! Forget standard factory times!!!
Chris
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