RHS strut removal

[mixupz]

Ive come across a guide on the net http://www.seat-ibiza-mk4.co.uk/ibiza_front_shock_absorber_change.htm and i have been looking at the problems when removing the RHS strut and the driveshaft...

How easy is the driveshaft to remove as an alternative to the primitave 2x2 wood approach shown in the guide...

Are there any easier ways??

 

[muddyboots]

How dare you call my approach "primitive"

I didn't have any tools that were man enough to remove the driveshaft nut, and then torque it back up again afterwards. Plus the car was already in the air with the wheel off, no way will you ever remove a driveshaft nut without the car being firmly on the ground, they're done up that tight.

 

[mixupz]

thanks matey! Brilliant guide by the way i was just a little afraid at the idea of having car Kill me basically !! can it be done without ENORMOUS risks or is it the same amount as with doing things by yourself anyway?...

You also pointed something out that i dont have in my toolbox.....what is a hub spreader and is it essentially needed??

 

[muddyboots]

Well I must admit it is a bit of a risky procedure...lots of force involved on parts that could spring one way or t'other without warning. I've done lots of work on cars in my time and I was definitely most nervous doing that bit.
I reckon if you had some slimmer spring compressors, you could probably compress the spring more while it's in the arch - mine wouldn't fit up very well and could only grab a couple of coils - so you could lift the shock out of the hub.

The hub spreader widens the jaw that the bottom of the shock sits in. It makes life MUCH easier than trying to pry apart with a screwdriver or similar. I think I got mine from the VW dealer, didn't cost much, under a tenner I vaguely recall.
It's basically a short, oval shaped rod fitted into a half inch drive adaptor. You slide it between the jaws of the hub, and turn it through 90 degrees which forces the hub apart. Handily I found once in that position, you could remove your ratchet and leave the spreader in place until you refit the shock.

 

[muddyboots]

By the way - just thought, not sure if the driveshafts get in the way on a petrol or not ?
Mine was a 130 TDI. Maybe petrols are OK