For accuracy sake when torquing up the rear shock, lower bolt, is it necessary (Haynes manual) to measure the distance between the Hub center and wheel arch dimensions first ? I presume this specification is due to the angular movement of the strut through its travel and torque on the bush ? 

I can't really answer if you should do it only that I never have & have travelled many thousands of miles on the shocks afterwards with no issues.

 

I think there is supposed to be load on the suspension, ie full tank and car lowered before tightening up the suspension bolts. 

On 15/06/2021 at 16:09, wd20 said:

Is it necessary (Haynes manual) to measure the distance between the Hub center and wheel arch dimensions first ?

Well, I've never done this, but it is necessary to have weight on wheels before torqueing the lower damper bolt.

4 hours ago, KenONeill said:

Well, I've never done this, but it is necessary to have weight on wheels before torqueing the lower damper bolt.

I doubt anyone actually does this but out of curiosity it may be interesting to study the geometry of the rear setup to see why.

5 hours ago, MicMac said:

I doubt anyone actually does this but out of curiosity it may be interesting to study the geometry of the rear setup to see why.

If you don't have weight on wheels you can put an unneeded torque into the lower damper bush.

Although I've already replaced the rear shocks and bump stops, I'm going to also replace the top mounts too. These seem to have a nylon bush insert which would probably suffer wear as the forces on it act an arc motion ?