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Help with DIY brake pad and shock replacement, gen3

PostPosted: Wed Oct 23, 2013 3:41 pm
by Insomniac
I told my mechanic I would replace my own front brake pads and a rear shock that is blown.
I have never done any work on a car before apart from changing oil and oil filter, I don't even have any tools but I figure at 29 I should teach myself how to do these things.

A friend told me I just need basic tools and a C clamp to get the front brake pads out. I went to Repco to buy brake pads but they had two models on their system for the gen 3 liberty front brakes. Anyone know what pads fit and what brand I should go with. The car is stock and I'm probably going to sell it next year so not looking for anything fancy.

Rear shock, anyone know what is involved in changing this, Is it just a matter of unbolting and replacing, or is there something more to it?

Also the mechanic told me my rocker cover seals have started to leak and its not a hard job if I want to have a go at it myself.

Cheers in advance for any advice or link to any relevant posts.

Re: Help with DIY brake pad and shock replacement, gen3

PostPosted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 4:36 pm
by Insomniac
Brakes done, was too easy.

Shock next and then rocker cover seals. Any tips or advice?

Re: Help with DIY brake pad and shock replacement, gen3

PostPosted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 9:46 pm
by redeemed
This thread is nearly a week old... but in case you haven't done the rear shock yet, I found this guide invaluable: http://www.subyclub.com/index.php/topic ... d-install/ (Shout out to AB501UT!0N for originally linking me to it!)

I only did the front struts (2nd hand B4 struts I bought, one of which (front right) came with a warped top hat, so wouldn't fit :cry: ). I found it was near impossible to remove the bottom bolt from the rear shocks. I've been meaning to take it to a mate's house and use his rattle gun, spring compressors, etc, but haven't gotten around to it yet lol.

What shock have you decided to go with? The rear B4 shocks I got seem to be ok, so I might put those on and just grab new fronts. I have a set of Kings Low springs, and might go with Boge for the shocks.

Also - kudos for being willing to get your hands dirty and doing it yourself man! :) Shocks were the first major thing I did (I'd only done fluids/filters/plugs/battery before), and it was a great learning experience... even the 5+ hours I spent just getting a couple of pesky bolts off :evil:

PS word of advice if you haven't done it yet - be aware that those lower bolts (2 on each front strut, 1 on the rears) are a MAJOR pain in the rear to undo!! Be prepared to use a lot of elbow grease and copious amounts of WD-40 or equivalent.