98 rear shock removal?

I had no problem removing the bottom two
bolts but I could not see how to detach top
of strut from access hole in trunk. Can some-
body help?

Rod

You must remove the strut mount bolts first, then pull the strut out with the mount attached. You can then remove the upper mount from the strut.

You can't see how the shock is held at the top.
There is a hole over the shock post but I can't
see what is required to remove it.

Manufacturer Info (http://info.rockauto.com/Monroe/DetailLclRmt.html?ma822.jpg&http://info.rockauto.com/Monroe/MA822.html)
It looks like the top stud is a 10mm. More than likely, that would require a 15mm socket to loosen the nut. Most people would use an air ratchet, with a deep well socket.

Thanks for the 15mm advice. I didn't feel the nut
the first time I stuck my finger in there. But I'll
try again with a socket tomorrow and see what
catches in there.

HotZ28,
Thanks for trying to help. Your advice was accurate.
I just didn't see the two 10mm top mount bolts
until I pulled back the back seat. Then I understood
what you were trying to tell me.
I can't understand why the engineers would think
that the owner of a semi-luxury car would want a
possibly dirty mechanic handling the upolstery in
their car.
I ended up putting Gabriels on the rear simply be-
cause the store that handled Monroes and KYBs
didn't stock mine.
I could tell a big difference and wished I had gone
ahead and got the front struts as well. After church
today that is what I'm going to do. Comparitively
speaking, it looks like the front ones will be easier.

Thanks again
Rod

Rod

I've accesed the three nuts for each strut from the trunk and didn't have to touch the seat.

Just a comments on replacing the front struts. Did you obtain a spring compressor? You'll need an alignment after installing the front struts.

Becareful with those springs! There is a lot of power stored there!

Regards

Dan