Discovery 200 Tdi

[Front Shock Absorbers (replacement)]
[Front Radius Arm Bushes]

Front Shock Absorbers (replacement)

Tools required:

1/2 " socket
1/2 " spanner
3/4 " spanner
11/16 " spanner*
flat screw driver
chain type oil filter wrench
Vice or large mole grips

* - replacement shocks may have 11/16 " nuts.

Remove 4 bolts (1/2 " head) that hold the suspension turret to the chassis. (two of these can be accessed from under the wheel arch, two from under the bonnet.)

Use a 3/4 spanner to undo the lower shock absorber nut. If the shock absorber starts to turn it can be gripped using a oil filter wrench. (Note only use this method if your going to replace the shock)

Withdraw the turret complete with shock. On the left hand side its easier to remove the turbo to intercooler pipe and air filter case first.

Grip the shock in a vice (this prevents it from rotating) and remove the top nut (3/4 ")

Clean the turret (may need degreasing), check the old washers aren't stuck to the turret.

Fit the new shock complete with new bushes. Follow the manufactures diagram but it should go (staring with the shock absorber) washer, bush, washer, turret top, washer, bush, washer, nut

Tighten the nut, grip the shock absorber in your hand (to prevent rotation) whilst tightening. Don't grip it in the vice as this will damage the shock cover.

Fit the lower washer and rubber bush to the new shock. Look down inside the coil spring and remove the old washer (the washer may have come away with the old shock.)

Place your new washer over the lower shock mount hole, (make sure its the right way up)

Guide the new shock and turret into place ensuring the shock goes through the new washer.

Loosely fit the washer, bush, washer, nut to the lower shock.

Locate the turret back onto its 4 mounting bolts. You may need to compress the shock (push down on the turret) to do this. An assistant can be useful here as its quite awkward to compress the shock and replace the spring washer / nut at the same time.

Tighten the lower shock nut. Only grip the shock with your fingers (to prevent rotation), the oil filter change wrench could damage your new shock.

After replacing the left hand side turret remember to reconnect the turbo to intercooler pipe and airbox.

Check all nuts are tight and go for a test drive.

CAUTION: Only replace shock absorbers in axle pairs.