How to Replace the Front Shock Absorbers on the Fiat 500L

Start by opening the bonnet and removing the upper cover located at the top of the engine bay just below the windscreen wipers. Next, remove one of the front wheels, locate the link that connects the shock absorber to the stabiliser bar, and the two bolts that secure the hub to the shock absorber.

Disconnect the clips securing the brake oil pipe and remove the two nuts that secure the link and the two hub fixing bolts. At this point, the shock absorber will be disconnected and free under the body.

Return to the engine bay and locate the fixing pin of the shock absorber to the body. Using a socket gun, remove the nut, and at this point, the spring-shock absorber assembly can be extracted.

Take at least two spring compressors to position between the coils of the spring and tighten them. Using the socket gun, unscrew the upper pin of the shock absorber and remove the upper support.

Then lift the compressed spring with the compressors and place it on the ground. Take the new shock absorber and position it above the spring, reposition the upper support after cleaning and lubricating the seat, and reattach the upper locking pin. Proceed to loosen the compressors and release the spring, reposition the shock absorber after lubricating the seat on both the body and the shock absorber.

Place the upper plate and insert the spring-shock absorber assembly into the seat and screw in the upper pin. Subsequently, reassemble the hub fixing bolts and the link. Finally, reattach the brake oil pipe with the relevant clip and remount the wheel.