sorry for the stupid question, i know, but since i have the PASM version (and wire) coming out of the top, i cant just spin it off with an impact driver. how do i hold the shaft in place in order to turn the nut?

 

I did my install myself quite a while ago so my recollection is fuzzy. Is there a bolt head at the bottom of the coilover?

 

actually, bilstein just called me back (even took THEM 4hrs to fig it out and call me back!). one side of the threaded center rod is concaved in and looks like this indentation runs the length downward. i had noticed this and thought it might be so that a special tool holds it in place while un/re-torquing the nut. bilstein says it is actually because (somewhere along the length of that rod) that concave part is nestled in something like a washer or something so that it doesnt rotate. i have not yet performed surgery so i will update once i do.

 

Glad they helped you out. Yeah, I don't remember having an issue with the Bilstein rear PASM coil over, but remember having trouble with the OEM rear PASM coil over.

Why are you needing to remove it?

 

Never put an impact gun on the Damptronic shaft nuts. You can hold the top washer with a good set of channel locks or a pipe wrench while you turn the nut.

I was able to get the Damptronics out of the front of my 977.2 without releasing the ball joint. I put a piece of heavy duty gasket material over the top of the shock and pressed down while rotating the shock to the outside. Be careful and don't pinch the wire on the lip. It isn't easy but it can be done.

 

well, besides general knowledge in case i ever want to swap springs...unfortunately i need to replace the passenger top mount as one of the 3 bolts securing it to the car tore loose when i was installing my roll bar.

thank goodness i am only doing the rear passenger side. i hear they can come out with minimal effort?

 

The rear is considerably easier. After you get the top nuts off and the bottom bolt out you can put a large screwdriver between the bottom of the shock and the support. After you get into position just use a slight lift and push to move the bottom down towards the center of the car until you are clear. It helps to have someone hold the shock while you are doing this. You don't want to drop it.

 

is it possible to simply "lean the assembly outwards" without taking off the bottom bolt? just curious, as all i really need to do is change that top mount. i dont really need the whole thing loose, i just need access to the top (and for the old mount to clear the fender/come off easily, etc.)

 

It is possible to get them out without breaking the bottom bolt. A set of spring compressors will help. It takes a fair amount of force while pushing down and rotating out the strut.

You can borrow a compressor from a store like PepBoys. Here's an example of a Sears unit:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...7057000P?mv=rr