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Removing middle pin from astra shocks?

Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 4:48 pm
by Phillips321
Hi guys,

I've got my astra rear shocks for thew front of my sj410 but i need to remove the metal tube from inside the bush, any ideas of the best way? It feels like it's stuck in there solid. I'd prefer to keep the actual bush as it mates up perfectly with the shock. I just need to get rid of the hollow pin!

Thanks guys

Re: Removing middle pin from astra shocks?

Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 5:30 pm
by ScottieJ
SJ shock bushes fit with a slight bit of file work...i would just remove the whole bush and use SJ ones.

Re: Removing middle pin from astra shocks?

Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 5:46 pm
by Phillips321
ScottieJ wrote:SJ shock bushes fit with a slight bit of file work...i would just remove the whole bush and use SJ ones.
Ok, that was also a plan, how do i actually get the astra bush out then?

This is what i have:
Image

Re: Removing middle pin from astra shocks?

Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 7:38 pm
by SherwoodNash
I have no idea of the 'correct' way :lol: but if I was without Google, and had limited tools I'd probably drill 10mm holes in the rubber of the new shocks, pull all bushing out, and clean up. Then on the original SJ one, I'd spray fairy liquid solution making gaps around the perimeter using a small screwdriver, use a vice as a cradle and hammer out the bush with a big wooden dowel. I'd then use same solution and press fit the SJ rubber into the new eyes again using the vice.

Image

Why did you go for Astra shocks? I replaced all 4 of mine with KYB Excel-G gas ones last year, it's a great ride now.

Re: Removing middle pin from astra shocks?

Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 10:00 pm
by Phillips321
I was under the impression Astra shocks front and series 3 on the back was the cheapest way to accommodate a 2inch lift from add a leafs??? Well there in now, no going back!

Re: Removing middle pin from astra shocks?

Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 11:48 pm
by SherwoodNash
Oh yeah :oops: I forgot you were lifting yours!

Re: Removing middle pin from astra shocks?

Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 9:20 am
by ScottieJ
I just drilled loads of holes through the bushes in mine to get them out.

You will need to lower the bumpstops to stop the shocks bottoming out.

Then again add a leafs are so stiff you probably won't get it to flex that much :lol: horrible things

Re: Removing middle pin from astra shocks?

Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 10:11 am
by ROBBIE
ScottieJ wrote:Then again add a leafs are so stiff you probably won't get it to flex that much :lol: horrible things
Used to get loads of flex on mine, just such a bloody uncomfortable ride. But they will probably destroy your top leaf as on compression it dose tend to bend it the wrong way

Re: Removing middle pin from astra shocks?

Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 12:36 pm
by twiss
I drilled a few holes in mine, then bolted through and wedged the end of the bolt in a gap and levered the bushes out

Re: Removing middle pin from astra shocks?

Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 4:26 pm
by ScottieJ
ROBBIE wrote:
ScottieJ wrote:Then again add a leafs are so stiff you probably won't get it to flex that much :lol: horrible things
Used to get loads of flex on mine, just such a bloody uncomfortable ride. But they will probably destroy your top leaf as on compression it dose tend to bend it the wrong way
maybe our idea of 'loads of flex' is different :lol: it's not gonna flex any better than standard with add-a-leafs :P