The Haynes manual is OK, but the Bentley is much better. As you know, you have struts up front. To change the shock cartridges, you will need a strut spring compressor. to disassemble the struts.
Tips:
- The Bentley says to remove the rotor from the spindle. You don't have to do that, I think they suggest it to make it lighter/easier to handle. BUT it will be heavy and awkward when you remove it, don't let it drop or hang it's weight on the ball joints. You should wire it up to the fender.
- Do remove the brake caliper bolts (but not the brake line) and wire it out of the way.
- Make some alignment marks on the spring and strut components to get things realigned when you reassemble. You want the spring to go back in the exact same position.
- SAFETY: While/after compressing the spring, NEVER put your face directly over top the assembly, for obvious reasons.
- After you compress the spring, the top nut that holds the cartridge can be a pain to loosen because the shaft of the strut will just turn. I used my air impact wrench to loosen the nut with a series of quick blips. DON'T use the air impact wrench to tighten it at reassembly. Remember, don't get too rough with it, the compressed spring stores alot of energy.
- Pay attention to the sequence of plates and washers when you disassemble the strut.
- A front end alignment will probably be needed.
