Having trouble removing shocks

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Hi all! It's been a while since I've been active on this forum. Thought I would reach out and see if anybody else has the same problem I have. I bought some KYB rear shocks because I have > 150k miles on the originals. I was able to remove the upper mount bolts and the control arm nut & washer but I couldn't remove the shock from the bolt. There seems to be a frozen boot or bushing that prevents me from just sliding it off. I tried to gently hit the shock with a dead blow but it wouldn't budge. I have not seen a replacement part available so I don't want to risk breaking that in order to install the new shock.

Has anyone been able to remove the shock easily? Do I need the boot/bushing? Can someone point me to the boot/bushing since my google-fu is failing me? Thanks!

2017 CX-5

 

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For reference, there seems to be a bushing or gasket between the lower shock mount and the washer (3) that won't just slide off.

 

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Looks like I'll try a pitman tie rod puller.

 

[Saskabush]

Oof, yeah... Good luck lol. I just went through this.

Basically the shocks have to be cut off. And then you cut the rubber off the bushing. And then try to turn the bushing with a pipe wrench, adding heat and/or lube. Either you luck out and it will spin and you can wiggle it off. Or it will be completely seized to the stud and you have to back out the whole stud. Then you have to carefully cut off the bushing, trying not to damage the stud.

A pitman puller wasn't long enough for me. Had to use the cut off tool.