took rear shocks off to change springs Dead easy

Fronts I had to stop as didn't have a good enough socket to undo the camber control arm/link!

broke a ratchet too

anyone got a few pointers for me! ?

Cheers

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ST 205 WRC 313bhp 298ft/lbs torque

Pray to the deity of your choice

It could be a simple job or it could be a complete make

Best bet, get out there while it's still light and soak stuff in WD40 or similar

Assuming you have the right tools it's then a case of suck it and see on nuts/bolts

On mine all of the major balljoints came apart but the top hub to strut one on both sides was a complete son of a female bog.
Rumour has it that you can modify a Halfrauds ball joint splitter to fit this joint (I believe the central "bolt channel" has to be widened. Also, don't forget that balljoints can be split using a hammer to wallop the balljoint "socket"

I would get a 1/2" drive impact socket, I believe its a 22mm size which is quite uncommon, you might need to visit a specialist tool shop rather than Halfords. This along with a 2-3 foot breaker barshould see the nut undone.

Use WD40 or plusgas on the nut and leave to soak for a few hours before undoing.

Whilst i'm sure everyone does (me included) ractchets should not be used for medium/high torque as the mechanism will break.

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GT4DC Events Co-ordinator
1996 ST205 UK

Had tyhe pleasure of spillting a couple of fig 8 link today so have the info at the fore front of my mind!

A 22mm socket, ideally a single hex coupled with a breaker bar should help. I would not use a ratchet with an extension bar - a sure way to shorten the life of your precious £2.50 ratchet

I have split fig 8's and they have fallen from the lower arm, both today required a 2 leg puller and went with a BANG, but no major drama...

What job are you doing? Driveshaft? Lower arrm? Wheel bearing?

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Kris
95 ST205 - slept for 10 years, now waking up...
Avensis
http://www.gtfours.co.uk
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Turbocharging - the replacement for displacement

New shocks I suspect Kris lol

a prayed to stella artois! That seemed to work !

I was changing the springs only as the others were rubbish and had compressed somewhat!

fair play first side was easy ish 2nd side was a knightmare!

ended up using the biggest lever bar I could find!
worked a treat

TRD springs are now fitted and car feels loads better!

Looking at the state of the top mounts and rubber boots I think i'll be stripping down the fronts again fairly soon and replacing the lot!

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ST 205 WRC 313bhp 298ft/lbs torque