Date:         Mon, 3 May 1999 15:38:56 -0800
Reply-To:     Dan Dix <ddix@BONDERS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dan Dix <ddix@BONDERS.COM>
Subject:      front shock removal
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

     All -

     I have an 81 aircooled vanagon westy.  I have ordered a set of
     KYB's from Ron to replace the (very old) existing shocks on my
     van. The rear shocks are on, with a little difficulty.  It
     seems that the mounting bolt for the bottom attachment point
     for the front shocks is frozen to the shock sleeve that runs
     through the rubber bushing.  The nut is off, but I am unable to
     press the bolt out because it is frozen to the shock sleeve.  I
     have tried heating the sleeve, liberal doses of penetrating
     oil, trying to drift the bolt out with a punch and hammer,
     holding the sleeve with vice grips while trying to turn the
     bolt (worked on the backs which had a similar problem), etc.,
     but cannot get the bolt free.  Any suggestions?  I don't want
     to take it to a garage - I have had the van for 8 years and
     120,000 miles and nobody but me has ever worked on it.  I want
     to get it out myself.  TIA for any help.

     Dan
     ddix@bonders.com