How much of a difficult job is this?
I have spent all day today messing aroungd with a 2000 Fiat Punto 1.0 replacing teh o/side shock. Firstly, removing the OEM shock was an absolute pain in the ass which involved the top thread (the allen key part) shearing & bolts holding the shock at the disc brake shearing.
We went to our local motor parts dealer (Mr Mechanic, for those local to me) and asked for a replacement shock for a 2000 Punto 1.0 (£45) and when we returned to fit it. The top thread was of a different size, and the original bolts from the original shock were of different threads!
Also that little "cup" on the top of the strut, was riding too high because of this stupid new shock so we have to invert the cup , use a non-standard bolt and some thread lock.
This whole "simple" change of one shock, using correct tools such as spring clamps, torque wrench etc took from 9am to 6pm!!
</rant>
How difficault could it be, if I were to switch out my shocks/springs. Where is the best places to look for replacement parts as I think I'd like to look elsewhere than Mr Mechanic. Finally, would it be easier and cheaper if I were to take it to a garage and simply get it all changed by them... ballpark figure? I've had a bad day - so if this makes no or little sense let me know and i'l try again
I have spent all day today messing aroungd with a 2000 Fiat Punto 1.0 replacing teh o/side shock. Firstly, removing the OEM shock was an absolute pain in the ass which involved the top thread (the allen key part) shearing & bolts holding the shock at the disc brake shearing.
We went to our local motor parts dealer (Mr Mechanic, for those local to me) and asked for a replacement shock for a 2000 Punto 1.0 (£45) and when we returned to fit it. The top thread was of a different size, and the original bolts from the original shock were of different threads!
Also that little "cup" on the top of the strut, was riding too high because of this stupid new shock so we have to invert the cup , use a non-standard bolt and some thread lock.
This whole "simple" change of one shock, using correct tools such as spring clamps, torque wrench etc took from 9am to 6pm!!
</rant>
How difficault could it be, if I were to switch out my shocks/springs. Where is the best places to look for replacement parts as I think I'd like to look elsewhere than Mr Mechanic. Finally, would it be easier and cheaper if I were to take it to a garage and simply get it all changed by them... ballpark figure? I've had a bad day - so if this makes no or little sense let me know and i'l try again