How do you replace the bumper shock absorber

Tidybuoy · 01-15-2007, 11:35 AM

I noticed that the driver side of the bumper is pushed in and won't pull out. Can anyone tell me how the bumper shock absorber is replaced. I can't even see the thing when I look under the car.

Thanks......................Vern

JustinL · 01-15-2007, 01:36 PM

Front or rear? 944 or 951/S2?

Tidybuoy · 01-15-2007, 01:51 PM

It's the front driver side - thanks.

JustinL · 01-15-2007, 03:33 PM

I'll assume it's a n/a 944 with the big steel bumper. It's held on by the two big bolts that are accessed from underneath behind the bumperettes. Remove those bolts and disconnect the electrics. You should have a pretty good view of the two bolts holding each shock to the frame.

Once you have them out, you can replace the broken one or drill a hole in them to compress them down for the snub nose look. That's a different discussion though

Justin

Tidybuoy · 01-15-2007, 05:32 PM

Thanks Justin.

Now if it weren't 30 degrees outside, I'd go fix it right now. What's with this cold weather in California? I don't like it.

SoCal Driver · SoCal Driver's Garage

Bumper is aluminum.

hpaulb · 01-18-2007, 11:35 AM

Backed into my Porsche last year. Pushed the shock right in. Took it out and just gave it one wack and it pooped out the the perfect position.

Tidybuoy · 01-18-2007, 11:51 AM

Thanks for the tip. I ended up getting a bumper shock at the wrecking yard. The car is in the shop getting a new timing belt and so I won't be able to work on this until next week.

Maybe mine will just snap back into place but if it dosen't, I got the replacement ready to go.

Gremlin85 · 01-18-2007, 12:29 PM

Once you have them out, you can replace the broken one or drill a hole in them to compress them down for the snub nose look. That's a different discussion though

Justin [/B][/QUOTE]

Could you direct me to a post or have any pics as to how this is done exactly... I saw one (1) pic of it and I fell in love with the look. Please, anyone, any direction is much obliged.

Thanks!

JustinL · 01-19-2007, 09:03 AM

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/showthread.php?t=118623&highlight=snub+nose

From the other list

There is debate as to the crashworthiness of this mod, so no more parking by feel!

Techno Duck · Techno Duck's Garage

There is no debate on how the snub nose look will change the outcome of what could have been a relativley minor 'bump'. You compress a shock that is meant to be a buffer and by doing that you lose any chance of getting away with no damage with a relativley low speed bump (im talking less than 5mph). On the plus side you have an extra inch to stop before your bumper hits the car infront of you

.

Compressed shocks look great, but dont take the bumper pads off, it looks terrible.

This is my '87 with the pushed in shocks..

Gremlin85 · 01-19-2007, 09:52 AM

I'm gonna give it a try when I get a chance. Other things come first. If I don't like it does anyone have extra used CHEAP bumper shocks?

Gremlin85 · 01-19-2007, 10:34 AM

oh, by the way... my bumper has the washer sprayers for the lights... are those gonna have to go or can I adjust them to still work?

Techno Duck · Techno Duck's Garage

Washer nozzles shouldnt be a problem, probably will have to aim them a bit higher.

JonA · 01-21-2007, 03:43 PM

I was able to pull the bumper out with a come-along hooked to the bumper from underneath and tied off to a friendly maple tree. It popped right out and into original position. Neat. Didn't have to take anything apart.

Jon