Replacing rear shocks and brake calipers

[slow06]

I’m looking at replacing the rear shocks and brake calipers in my 2006 Mustang. Nothing fancy, just stock replacements for both.

Is this something an amateur can handle? I would imagine the shocks are just bolted in, but I am guessing the caliper might be a pain if I have to bleed it, which I assume I would. Should I take it to a shop and have someone handle this for me?

Thoughts or tips?

[racrguy]

If you can change shocks, you can bleed brakes, just have a friend help you. Remember, close the bleeder before they take their foot off the brakes!

[slow06]

If you can change shocks, you can bleed brakes, just have a friend help you. Remember, close the bleeder before they take their foot off the brakes!

Well I guess the question is, does that work the other way around? I have bled brakes, but never messed with shocks.

[SC457A]

Easy to do both.

Why replacing calipers? Curious only.

[slow06]

Easy to do both.

Why replacing calipers? Curious only.

Last time I changed my brake pads the piston in the left rear was all but impossible to depress (using the tool). I read up on it and came to the conclusion it failed/seized. I also had increased pad wear on that side which supports that idea.

Come to think of it the other side was fine, so I will probably just change out the left caliper assuming the right rear still retracts easily.

[SC457A]

Okay.... Lube slide pins with good lube. Seen a lot of them locked up. That is most of the time the cause of uneven wear on pads.

[racrguy]

Well I guess the question is, does that work the other way around? I have bled brakes, but never messed with shocks.

shocks are really easy, just make sure to support the axle that way it isn't hanging from any wires/hoses when you take the shocks off.

[wishitwasasvt]

They are both pretty easy and straight forward, if you live near Joshua you can swing by and use our lift.

[slow06]

Okay.... Lube slide pins with good lube. Seen a lot of them locked up. That is most of the time the cause of uneven wear on pads.

They seemed to slide freely last pad change but I will take a look at them.

shocks are really easy, just make sure to support the axle that way it isn't hanging from any wires/hoses when you take the shocks off.

I just watched a couple of youtube videos and it seems as simple as removing 2 bolts. I was nervous because I found an R&R guide (below) and it was talking about marking the shock and only tightening the bolt at curb height. Not sure the point of those things but I'm probably not going to worry about it.

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/2005-2010-mustang-gt-tech/119571-2006-mustang-gt-vert-help-tips-removing-rear-shocks.html

They are both pretty easy and straight forward, if you live near Joshua you can swing by and use our lift.

I appreciate the offer very much. I've got a jack and stands so I think I will be good. Plus I live in Arlington, so Joshua is a bit out of the way.

[racrguy]

I just watched a couple of youtube videos and it seems as simple as removing 2 bolts. I was nervous because I found an R&R guide (below) and it was talking about marking the shock and only tightening the bolt at curb height. Not sure the point of those things but I'm probably not going to worry about it.

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/2005-2010-mustang-gt-tech/119571-2006-mustang-gt-vert-help-tips-removing-rear-shocks.html

Just jack the rear up until it starts to just barely come off the jack stands and tighten them up if you're worried about it.