Attempted to replace my rear shocks yesterday in my 13 GS with AVS shocks, now that Rockauto has been carrying the KYB AVS shocks for AWD models. However, I was unsuccessful in removing it.

First part was removing the lower bolt - major pain in the *** and had to break out the heat induction tool on both ends just to get it loose. Was able to remove it eventually. Top bolts holding the shock were easy to remove to problem.

The problem was now trying to remove the shock itself from the car. For the life of my I could not managed to get it compress that much to be able to get it out. I tried pushing hard upwards to try to get the bottom part to clear the lower control arm but I could barely get it to budge.

I watched a yt video and they mentioned pulling down on the strut from the bellow and that could compress it, but I think the strut is too far gone maybe to be able to compress easily? Am I missing something - is there an easier way to get the shock out? Any suggestions?

I had to bolt everything back together because I needed the car but I'm stumped on how I could try to wrestle that shock out.

 

Don't fight it, but the easiest way is to remove more and save your energy. Drop enough to remove the shock, its not fun trying to compress the entire spring. You might be able to get the shock out without loosening #5, if not you must tighten it back at right height.

 

I just recently did this job. I didn’t open anything and just pushed the shock down with effort and got it out.

it may be easier to open some of the items as mentioned above.

the front ones came out easy, just need a spring compressor to change.