Changing the rear shock absorbers on a Citroën C3

Before lifting the vehicle, unlock the wheel.

Then lift it with the jack and install a jack stand for your safety. You can remove the wheel.

This one is located below the bumper

it is located inside the wing.

And the last two are on each side of the shock absorber.

Wire brush the clips.

Clips in closed position, the center part is retracted and inflates the outer parts. In this position it cannot be disassembled.

Open position the central part is out, the outer parts can come closer together and in this position it can be dismantled.

Using the flat screwdriver, remove the central part.

Like this.

Using the multi-grip pliers, place the pliers against the mudguard and lever it. The clips will come out by themselves. Repeat this operation for the other 3.

Run your hand over the edges and pull the mudguard.

Like this you can pull on it it is a soft and strong plastic.

And here it is.

Brush the screw threads and apply penetrating oil.

For the top bolt, 16mm wrench, unscrew the screw and not the nut, it is attached to the body. 21mm wrench for the bottom one.

Do not remove the top screw yet.

Place the jack underneath and raise it slightly to relieve the shock absorber.

Using a D12 mm pin punch and a good hammer, tap the screw to remove it.

Put on a pair of gloves and give it a good hit with a hammer + penetrating oil.

And here is the screw as you can see it is the rust that prevents it from coming out. Remove the rust carefully to put it back together.

Now you can completely unscrew the top screw and remove the shock absorber.

Lower the shock absorber to remove it.

Remove the small steel rod.

Place the shock absorber foot against the workbench for example, and compress it, it's not hard.

Unhook the rod

Pass the shock absorber foot behind the handbrake cable.

Thread the top of the shock absorber into its location and install the screw.

Put in the bottom screw and lock it as well as the top one.

Put some grease on it in case you ever need to take it apart again.

Put the mudguard back in place so that it returns to its original position.

Align the hole so you can put the clips in.

Pass the mud guard behind the bumper carefully.

Replace the 4 clips

A little hammer tap on it and it came back up

Don't forget the one below the bumper.

You can reassemble your wheel, remove the jack and the candle and block it.

You still have to do the other side.