Getting ready to replace the rear shock mounts on my 2014 4S with air suspension. Here is a picture of the top of the shock with PASM electrical connector removed. The top of the shock is found in the rear hatch covered by a plastic panel.

Anyone know the size of this nut (marked in red on the pic)? I think it’s 21mm but hoping someone can confirm. The top of the spindle looks to be 10mm.

 

Many Porsche suspension bolts/nuts are 16mm or 18mm. That looks too small to be 21mm but could just be the photos.

 

Is the space large enough to use a measuring caliper? My super simple brass measuring caliper is only 4 inches long, measures both inside and outside and cost only a few dollars back in the 1970's. I often use it to measure so that I don't grab the wrong size wrench. Home Depot has a similar brass measuring caliper for $10.97 and I've seen similar ones at hardware stores and hobby shops.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately the space is too tight to measure with a calliper. Great idea though! I was able to slip a deep socket over the spindle and 21mm seemed to fit. The top of the spindle was easy to measure and is 10mm for sure. I was wondering if anyone has done this work and could confirm before I order a pass through type of socket like this to complete the job:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/21m...et-cta-3039x05

 

A method I've used in similar situations requires a short length of stiff wire (e.g. from a wire coat hanger) bent into a U-shape. Fit the U-shaped wire over what you need to measure and compress the sides of the wire so that the two points of the wire barely and perfectly touch what you want to measure. Then measure the gap between the tips of the U-shaped wire with a metric ruler or caliper.

 

Pretty sure the whole shock mount unbolts from underneath. The shock and mount will come out as 1. Then can change on the bench.

 

Couple of stupid questions comments;
- isnt this bolt part of the shock and not used for removal of strut assembly from the car?

- there should be 2 or 3 bolts holding the strut assembly to the chassis, undo
- one bolt on bottom, undo.

once assembly is on bench, undo the 21mm while reacting using the 10mm. Or you can use impact to loosen the 21mm but be careful. One or two clicks max. You don’t want the rod to spin inside the shock cylinder.

am I off here or is my thinking for front only?

 

OP, do you have picture from underside of strut assembly, from inside wheel arch?

 

Thanks for this! More I think about this, the shock bolts to the mount and mount to the car body. Only reason to open the plastic panel in the hatch area is unclip the PASM wire harness. All the work can be done from within the wheel well.

I believe you are correct! Thanks!

Will take pics and post once I do my spring wheel change over!

Thanks all!