Help! Removing original bilstein dampers from mk2 mx5

J

Jtrevittmx5

New Member
Hi, I'm trying to remove my bilstein shocks from my mk2 mx5 to fit my HSD monotube coilovers, having watched the video on the driftworks website I thought it would be quite easy for myself as I'm a mechanic by trade in the Motorsport industry, however I came across a problem quite quickly, on the top of my shocks a rod comes out from the top mount and has an Allen key shaped hole (5mm). This rod essentially means that I cannot take the damper out in the way shown in the video as it stops you from leaning it out. I have copied the rest of the procedure, the spring compressors does not compress this damping rod but can be pressed down by hand with some difficulty, so was wondering what people would suggest.
thanks, Jordan
 
Are you on about the anti roll bar drop links?

I had the same issue on my mates 5 this weekend, managed to round off the 5mm allen key for the anti roll bar drop link therefor not allowing us enough room to pull the old suspension unit out even with spring compressors. Had to buy new drop links and will be cutting the old ones out
 
sam-ski said:
Are you on about the anti roll bar drop links?

I had the same issue on my mates 5 this weekend, managed to round off the 5mm allen key for the anti roll bar drop link therefor not allowing us enough room to pull the old suspension unit out even with spring compressors. Had to buy new drop links and will be cutting the old ones out
Click to expand...

I had that problem too, but no it's at the top of the shock where the top mounting plate is, there is a damping rod that comes through the middle that you can compress but can hold down, most of the shocks on mx5 don't have these
 
Nothing sends a shudder down my spine like a customer telling me they're a mechanic.
I know I'm in for a ride then.

Drop the lower arm out the way?
 
kam said:
Nothing sends a shudder down my spine like a customer telling me they're a mechanic.
I know I'm in for a ride then.

Drop the lower arm out the way?
Click to expand...

I did think of that, would it better to disconnect it from the upright or from the chassis?
 
Depends on how much clearance you need, subframe would be less hassle (no ball joint), but the upright side will give you more clearance as you would be able to swing it right out the way.
 
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