Is this bad? (1991 E350)
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 7
Is this bad? (1991 E350)
Here's the front right shock.
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Here's the front left shock.
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How do I fix it? Can I do it myself?
Is it OK to drive it like this until I fix it? I could have driven it like this for months.
I had the last safety inspection 2 months ago. The mechanic charged me to change the rear brake actuators(?), but never mentioned this to me. Could they have deliberately not told me so I'll brake the van and they can make more money off it?
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Here's the front left shock.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
How do I fix it? Can I do it myself?
Is it OK to drive it like this until I fix it? I could have driven it like this for months.
I had the last safety inspection 2 months ago. The mechanic charged me to change the rear brake actuators(?), but never mentioned this to me. Could they have deliberately not told me so I'll brake the van and they can make more money off it?
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,555
The right shock looks like the dust boot lower strap has come off, and the left shock is just missing the lower attachment bolt. Neither of the issues is a major problem. The bolt missing will certainly make for more suspension bounce, but should be re attached before the shock is damaged.
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 7
Thanks.
I found instructions on how to replace shocks from the Autozone website. But I
have this question.
When the shocks are taken off, the front coil springs seem to be the only thing
that will hold the body of the van up. But that won't matter because the shock
absorbers don't do any load bearing whatsoever? All they do is motion dampening,
right?
Just making sure, because I feel nervous about going under the van and taking part of the suspension off.
I found instructions on how to replace shocks from the Autozone website. But I
have this question.
When the shocks are taken off, the front coil springs seem to be the only thing
that will hold the body of the van up. But that won't matter because the shock
absorbers don't do any load bearing whatsoever? All they do is motion dampening,
right?
Just making sure, because I feel nervous about going under the van and taking part of the suspension off.
Last edited by eric948470; Oct 23, 2011 at 08:45 AM.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,555
If your going to change them out with the van resting on its wheels/tires, (?) there isn't any problem just unbolting them..
Sometime if a vehicle is lifted up on a car hoist and the suspensions hangs down then it may require that you support the axle so its doesnt bind the shock bolts/nuts as they come off. If on a lift, or if the front of the van is jacked up off the ground completely once the shock is removed sometimes the axle will drop a tad, and would need to be lifted back into position slightly to get the shock bolt/nut reinstalled. If you have ramps, or can drive the front tires onto blocks ect. it helps for crawl space. Do block the rear tires and set the parking break anytime your under a vehicle..
Sometime if a vehicle is lifted up on a car hoist and the suspensions hangs down then it may require that you support the axle so its doesnt bind the shock bolts/nuts as they come off. If on a lift, or if the front of the van is jacked up off the ground completely once the shock is removed sometimes the axle will drop a tad, and would need to be lifted back into position slightly to get the shock bolt/nut reinstalled. If you have ramps, or can drive the front tires onto blocks ect. it helps for crawl space. Do block the rear tires and set the parking break anytime your under a vehicle..
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