Removing the brake lines is NOT necessary. The Bentley manual documents the procedure. You only need to disconnect the brake line connector bracket. Use a jack under the control arm to raise/lower the strut. After the strut is free of the fender, tie it up with some heavy wire. If it flops over, the brake lines may be damaged.

The whole job is much easier to do if you have a helper. It's hard to hold the whole thing still while you are wrenching on the spring compressor.

Professional mechanics usually have a bench or wall mounted strut compressor. Maybe that is why they prefer to remove the strut from the car. Perhaps one of the pros on the board can comment.

The rear shocks are dead simple to replace. Use a jack under the axle to help line up the mounts when you install the new shocks.

-Ron
'89 244 203Kmiles
'90 245 185Kmiles