Recently changed rear shocks on my -05 forester 2.5XT. I went from original leaking SLS (Self Leveling Shock) to cheaper non-SLS + custom-made stiffer springs. Thought i´d share the process with you guys, since most of you probably want the non-sls shocks due to the high price of the original shocks. Here´s a small guide with some pics:
First pic: Car on stand and wheel removed. The sls shock has the extra tube in the lower portion, and thus has softer springs.
Second pic: Start by compress the springs with spring compressors, duh
Third pic: Use a screwdriver or other sharp tool to remove the clip to the brake hose
Fourth pic: Remove the 3 screws on the top tower after removing the plastic panel in the trunk. This will loosen the upper section of the shock/spring combo from the car.
Fifth pic: Remove the 2 bolts behind the brake disc and the whole package is loose. Use wd-40 or 5-56 or similar cause they will probably be a bit hard to remove muscle flex time
Sixth pic: Old vs New shock/spring/dust covers/top hat. Clean the rubber seatings (top and bottom) if you didn´t purchase new ones.
Seventh pic: Compress the new springs, bolt the top hat on the shock (top hat has a mark that says "out", point it towards you, or out from the car) and then mount it with the 2 bolts below and 3 nuts on the top. Fasten the brake hose with the clip, remove spring compressors, and you´re done.
Do the same procedure on the other side.
Eight pic: Back to original height.
The shocks are Sachs super touring model that i purchased in finland, and the springs were custom made by Springcoil, a sheffield located spring manufacturer. Big thanks to the member Gigsy, who measured up the springs with springcoil, and recommended these in the forum, they work like a charm. It was easy to import to sweden: started with mail contact, then phoned my credit card details (125 GBP and a +3% card fee was the cost for a pair) and waited for the package to arrive in the mail. You can have any color you want, and adjust height and stiffness to your liking. Contact Keith at Springcoil, he knows what his talking about. The total cost was less than ONE original sls shock by doing it myself, probably the price of one if you take it to a shop/mechanic
First pic: Car on stand and wheel removed. The sls shock has the extra tube in the lower portion, and thus has softer springs.
Second pic: Start by compress the springs with spring compressors, duh
Third pic: Use a screwdriver or other sharp tool to remove the clip to the brake hose
Fourth pic: Remove the 3 screws on the top tower after removing the plastic panel in the trunk. This will loosen the upper section of the shock/spring combo from the car.
Fifth pic: Remove the 2 bolts behind the brake disc and the whole package is loose. Use wd-40 or 5-56 or similar cause they will probably be a bit hard to remove muscle flex time
Sixth pic: Old vs New shock/spring/dust covers/top hat. Clean the rubber seatings (top and bottom) if you didn´t purchase new ones.
Seventh pic: Compress the new springs, bolt the top hat on the shock (top hat has a mark that says "out", point it towards you, or out from the car) and then mount it with the 2 bolts below and 3 nuts on the top. Fasten the brake hose with the clip, remove spring compressors, and you´re done.
Do the same procedure on the other side.
Eight pic: Back to original height.
The shocks are Sachs super touring model that i purchased in finland, and the springs were custom made by Springcoil, a sheffield located spring manufacturer. Big thanks to the member Gigsy, who measured up the springs with springcoil, and recommended these in the forum, they work like a charm. It was easy to import to sweden: started with mail contact, then phoned my credit card details (125 GBP and a +3% card fee was the cost for a pair) and waited for the package to arrive in the mail. You can have any color you want, and adjust height and stiffness to your liking. Contact Keith at Springcoil, he knows what his talking about. The total cost was less than ONE original sls shock by doing it myself, probably the price of one if you take it to a shop/mechanic