Howto: Access Rear Strut Tops On R34 Sedan

[V28VX37]

This is probably obvious to most but here's a quick writeup on how to access rear strut tops on an R34 sedan:

1. Undo the two bolts in the rear passenger footwell, one on each side.
   
2. Pull rear seat forward and then lift the front, it should come out fairly easy. Make note on where each seat belt buckle comes through.
   
3. Undo two more bolts that secure the backrest. These are located next to the left and right side seat belt bottom attachments.
   
4. Pull the armrest down and undo the velcro above and below the ski port
   
5. Grab the bottom on the backrest and pull it straight up.
   
6. Once high enough you should feel the backrest unhook and be able to pull the top edge out.
   
7. Slide left and right seatbelts out over the edges of the backrest.
   
8. Slide backrest out to the side through the centre seatbelt.
   

Voilà, you can now get to rear strut tops through the access holes under the left and right front corner of the parcel shelf!

I found that a medium size ratchet with a long socket fits through perfectly well.

Once you're done with the suspension work put everything back together in reverse order.

Some tips:

• You do not need to remove the parcel shelf to get to the strut tops.
  
• You do not need to undo child restraint points. If you do, be careful not to drop the little metallic spacers under the parcel shelf - I did.
  
• To remove the parcel shelf for whatever reason I believe you need to remove the C pillar covers first. Anyone know how to do this without breaking anything?
  

Couple of photos below.

Location of each of the four bolts:

Backrest loops that slip on the respective hooks in the car:

Strut top access holes (you can see two of the backrest hooks right next to them):

Hope this helps!

[V37GT]

Thanks for shareing