Replacing rear air springs on a P38

Hi All
I've read a number of posts on here about the seized top plate of the rear air spring on the P38. I've got the same and what I would like to know is what gets seized, is it the raised part of the top plate which the air pipe goes into, is it a tight fit through the chassis, or is it the whole plate that gets stuck to the chassis. I've drenched mine with penertating oil and leaving it until Friday. Can anyone advise on a good way of releasing it.
Many thanks
Roger

Datatek does a good guide on removing stubborn airspings...

I believe it is corrosion beteween the alloy plate and the steel chassis that causs it....

big hammer,thin chisel /pry bar

If the end caps are alloy, it will be corrosion, if plastic it's partly because they can be a tight fit, tolerances in manufacture are not too good, and partly rust and ****e. Big hammer and crow bar is the answer. If they are alloy you may have to chisel them out bit by bit after removing the bellows.

Just make sure that all two tons plus of the car is well supported before you get too enthusiastic.

Thanks everyone for your recommendation it will give me some ideas to try on Friday. I was thinking of cutting away the air bag and then attacking it from underneath. how strong are the air bags would a stanley knife do the job or would a hacksaw be better.

You'll be fine with a stanley knife - particularly if they are worn and the rubber is starting to break down.

Ours were plastic (we changed them last weekend) and were a nightmare to get out - they seemed to have 'welded' themselves in! a crowbar helped convince them that they really wanted to come out.

Getting the new ones in was equally as time consuming - easier if there are two of you attacking the car.

Have fun

Just thought I'd add my tuppence worth on an old post in case anyone else reads this thread mid-job (like I did an hour ago! ).

I didn't have any decent kind of hooks available so just used a metal coat hanger to pull the top R clip out, didn't need to remove the wheel liner to get at it...but if anyone searched for this like me they'll probably have passed that stage already.

I just cut the bottom half of the air bag off to get better access and worked my way round the plastic upper with a pry bar to get the effin crusty thing off...came out pretty quickly after readin it just required a little more conviction!

Yep as said don't be scared to swing from the bar if needed and it's safe.