Preparation
Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Gather the necessary tools and parts, including a new front shock absorber, spring compressor, socket wrench set, and jack stands.
Raise and Secure the Vehicle
Use a jack to lift the front of the vehicle until the tire is approximately six inches off the ground.
Secure the vehicle with jack stands to ensure stability.
Remove the Wheel
Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel using the socket wrench.
Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
Compress the Spring
Place the spring compressor onto the shock absorber spring, ensuring it is properly seated and secure.
Compress the spring by carefully following the instructions provided with your specific spring compressor.
Remove the Upper Shock Absorber Mounting Bolts
Open the hood of the vehicle and locate the upper shock absorber mounting bolts.
Loosen and remove these bolts using the socket wrench.
Disconnect the Brake Line (if necessary)
On certain models, it may be necessary to disconnect the brake line from the shock absorber. To do this, first remove the brake fluid reservoir cap and use a suitable tool, such as a flare nut wrench, to disconnect the brake line.
Remove the Lower Shock Absorber Mounting Bolt
Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt and loosen it using the socket wrench.
Remove the bolt and take out the old shock absorber.
Install the New Shock Absorber
Insert the new shock absorber into place, ensuring it is aligned correctly with the mounting holes.
Secure the lower shock absorber mounting bolt.
Reconnect the brake line if it was disconnected.
Tighten the upper shock absorber mounting bolts.
Release the Spring
Slowly release the spring compressor, allowing the spring to expand.
Be cautious and ensure the spring does not slip out of place.
Install the Wheel
Place the wheel back onto the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle using the jack and remove the jack stands.
Tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque using a torque wrench. Test Drive the Vehicle
Once everything is secure, take your vehicle for a test drive to ensure the shock absorber is functioning properly and the vehicle's handling is as expected.
Replacing the front shock absorber on a Citroen Relay requires technical knowledge and precision. If you are unsure about any step or encounter difficulties, it is advisable to seek assistance from a professional mechanic or refer to the vehicle's specific repair manual.
