13 replies to this topic

[Timty]

Hi i'm in the process of replacing my front suspension cones the haynes says i've got to remove the top suspension arm. Is it possible to wiggle the cone and dohnut out by just disconecting the top swivel ball joint or im i wishfully thinking and the whole arm has to come out? Thanks in advance for any help i get, Tim.

[R1minimagic]

Yes you have to take the top arm out unless you have a compression tool...

[Timty]

Yep i've got a dohnut compressor does it give enough clearance to change it without removing the top arm then?

[mattw13]

I have done this before but really struggled to get the new, much bigger, cone through the same gap! It is a real pig to try and get the top arm off. Good Luck Matt

[GraemeC]

If you are replacing the doughnuts (cones) then the arm will need to come out - you'll not get new ones in past it even if you get the old ones out.

If you are just replacing the trumpets with Hi-Los then you might be able to do it without removing the arm if you use a cone compressor.

[Timty]

Thanks guys im really hoping to try and do it without removing the top arm then if i cant ill take it off im not looking forward to it though it looks a swine of a job.

[R1minimagic]

Make sure you grease it up well, screw the tool into the donut enough (book says 9 turns but i dont see the problem with more) and the tool is tight with the locknut!

[tommy13]

Yep i've got a dohnut compressor does it give enough clearance to change it without removing the top arm then?

Yes if you compress the cone and also remove the small bubber bump stop from under the upper arm ( held in with cross head screw) you should have just enough room to fiddle the assembly apart. It's not easy but neither is removing the pivot pin from the upper arm with the engine in.

[Timty]

Yeh its compressed as i speak sat on the drive i put it in 15 turns probly to much, thanks very much for your help. lm hoping i can squeeze it in!

[R1minimagic]

Just dont compress too much as it can go 'bang'

Compress then check if you can get it out, if not compress a bit more until you can. Dont just keep on compressing until it goes solid!


....and dont put your fingers anywhere near there up inside just incase the threads let go!

Edited by R1minimagic, 05 March 2010 - 08:08 PM.

[Timty]

Now youve got me worried im going to go and back it of a few turns lol!!!

[Pigeonto]

Hi i'm in the process of replacing my front suspension cones the haynes says i've got to remove the top suspension arm. Is it possible to wiggle the cone and dohnut out by just disconecting the top swivel ball joint or im i wishfully thinking and the whole arm has to come out? Thanks in advance for any help i get, Tim.

Having spent last week end doing just what you are asking I can say its no prob getting the trumpets out and you can get out old knackered squashed cones but you wont get new cones in with the arm still in. If fitting hi los then very easy to get them in when fully shortened then adjust to suit.Must remove that lower bump stop as said.

[Timty]

I might buy some high lows as i really dont fancy takinig of top arms but then again ill probly be a mizer and give it a go! Thanks for all your advice guys!

[minidaves]

taking top arms out is easy, take about an hour to change both rubber donuts

dave