Tightening the front shocks

[DerPo]

I noticed some "clunking" from my front end when going over uneven surfaces. When I got home I discovered my front shocks seem "loose" ( I can turn them, and wiggle them a bit) I'm assuming that it my clunking noise. Shocks are new, bushings are new. Any tips on how to tighten them? Space seems to be tight on the drivers side and I'm limited on tools with just a basic tool kit.

[BajaSportsmobile]

Put a 3/4" open end wrench on the top nut and turn the shock body by hand.

Driver's side is a bit of a PITA.

[DerPo]

Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile

Put a 3/4" open end wrench on the top nut and turn the shock body by hand.

Driver's side is a bit of a PITA.

That makes sense. Will I be able to do this without a jack or shock compressor?

[BajaSportsmobile]

Originally Posted by DerPo

That makes sense. Will I be able to do this without a jack or shock compressor?

Yes, but it is easier with the tire out of the way. You can also turn the wheels to one side for better access.

I'm wondering why they would be loose enough for there to be audible play in there. The bushings should have been compressed and take up any play.

Look for something else to possibly be wrong, like the top washer missing... or on the wrong side of the bushing. I've seen this mistake before and the nut pulled into the bushing and everything became loose.

[DerPo]

Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile

Yes, but it is easier with the tire out of the way. You can also turn the wheels to one side for better access.

I'm wondering why they would be loose enough for there to be audible play in there. The bushings should have been compressed and take up any play.

Look for something else to possibly be wrong, like the top washer missing... or on the wrong side of the bushing. I've seen this mistake before and the nut pulled into the bushing and everything became loose.

Ya I'm not sure why but all my shocks seem to have come loose. Just to be sure, the front shocks shouldn't have any side to side play right? The "clunking" noise I'm fairly certain is coming from the shocks moving about.

I'll take some pics tonight when I get home. I'm just trying to get this done before my climbing trip on Thursday!

[DerPo]

I was able to tighten the passenger all the way, and got the driver side super tight, but I can still turn the shock if I try hard. Eh that will do for now!

[azjim]

I also had a front shock making a clunking sound. I found that the top mounting stud nut was working loose. I replaced the fine thread standard hex nuts with fine thread self locking ( Nylock) nuts and no problems since.