joeycuccaro

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/72866/koni_vogtland.jpg"></center><p>Is it possible to get the front suspension out WITHOUT messing with this bolt that holding the ball joints in? Im having a heck of a time tryign to get it out, it wont budge, i tried to search but so much stuff comes up that isnt useful to me. Any details would be greatly appriciated, i need to get this done, my car looks weird, lowered rear and high front hahaha... Thanks guys!!

TANMAN

Takes 2 people though. First on the to of the car undo the 2 nuts the hold the shock cap on. They are under 2 plastic caps in the engine compartment. Next, unbolt the bottom shock bolt. Next, unbolt the sway bar, then have your buddy step down on the top of the rotor to move the lower control arm down. Slide the bottom of the shock out and pull it out completely.

MikekiM@PureMS

Leave that bolt alone.
Pop the hood. Find the 3 green colored bolts just above the shock.
Don't touch those either.
Just in between those bolts are 2 body colored plastic covers. Pry those 2 covers off (2 each side of the car). Underneath those are 2 13mm nuts. Remove the nuts, and voila, the front struts will come out.

joeycuccaro

Thanks for the tips! I really appriciate it!

TANMAN

Mainly because it changes the camber with the shorter shocks and springs.

MikekiM@PureMS

Since your camber isn't adjustable, you'll still need to have the front toe setting adjusted after lowering the car.

TANMAN

See, I have learned.

azndrunk74

what's so bad about removing that bolt? I've taken that out a bunch of times. Easy.

RKA

Cars exposed to high mileage or harsh winter conditions are obviously prone difficult to work with.

RKA

loosen those two bolts, but leave them threaded 3 or 4 turns. Remove them after you're done struggling to lift the shock over the lower control arm.