Removal
1 Slacken the roadwheel bolts, raise the rear of the vehicle, support it on stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”) and remove the roadwheel.

2 Support the suspension lower arm with a jack.

3 Open the tailgate and lift the parcel tray to expose the shock absorber top mounting (see illustration).

10.3 Rear shock absorber top mounting

4 Remove the cap and then unscrew the nut from the shock absorber spindle. To prevent the spindle turning, use an Allen key in the socket provided (see illustration).

10.4 Removing the shock absorber top mounting nut - Saloon and Estate models

5 Take off the cap and insulator.

6 Separate the brake hydraulic hose from the shock absorber by slackening the centre locking nut and easing the hose and pipe down and out of the slot in the bracket (see illustration). On the right-hand side there is very little clearance for a spanner and it may be easier if the roadspring is removed as described in Section 13.

10.6 Brake hydraulic hose-to-shock absorber attachment (arrowed) - Saloon and Estate models

7 Undo the two bolts securing the shock absorber to the stub axle carrier and withdraw the unit, together with cup and bump rubber, from under the wheel arch.

Testing
8 To test the shock absorber, grip its lower mounting in a vice so that the unit is vertical.

9 Fully extend and retract the shock absorber ten or twelve times. Any lack of resistance in either direction will indicate the need for renewal, as will evidence of leakage of fluid.

Refitting
10 Refitting is a reversal of removal, but if a new unit is being installed, prime it first in a similar way to that described for testing.