Need to remove rear dampers?

[Rabbitt]

The workshop manual recommends strongly - if not imperative - that rear dampers should be removed if topping up is necessary to avoid contamination by any dirt etc. .. is this absolutely a definite requirement?

[67-2door]

Certainly makes the job easier, and they're not hard to remove.

[bmcecosse]

Certainly you do one of them in place - but clean the top carefully. The other - I think if you slacken the bolts and remove one - you can swivel it vertical and the clean it well. Highly recommend removing them - draining out the horrible old smelly oil, and refill (flush once) with SAE 40 oil. The improvement will amaze you.....