Jeremy Pinsly

For those that have done the suspension changes yourselves, did you use a spring compressor tool to remove and reinstall the springs?

If not, how did you do it safely?

hawk911

Jeremy, we did not use a compressor. Simply lay the spring on the ground, with the bottom of the assembly pointing away from important objects. We used an air wrench, and simply undid the lock nut. The spring did not going flying, only moved a few inches. You could simply use your own body weight to push the top collar down and take the pressure off the nut, as we did to reinstall the nut. You'll spend about 1/5 less time doing it this way.

Jeremy Pinsly

Thanks for the quick reply Hawk....I was worried that it would go flying off.

So will 175 pounds of my body weight be enough to compress the spring back on to the shock?

kgorman

Same as Hawk. Upon re-assembly be sure to get the top nut tight enough, or it will make a hell of a wracket, and you will have to remove and reassemble. ;-).

hawk911

J, I'm only 200, so 175 should be enough with a little arm strength. Give it a go.

craig001

Safety first guys. I'm not going to criticize anyone for working on their cars, but since many auto parts stores will either lend you the compressor for free with a deposit or a small fee, I say, better safe than sorry.

JasonAndreas

I'm with craig, Autozone rents a spring compressor/tensioner and all they require is a 100% refundable deposit. Every year you read about someone impaling themselves during a spring swap DIY, why take the chance? And when you guys tighten everything back up remember that all the torque specifications are for wet (coated with Optimoly HT & Optimoly TA) threads. For instance the top lock nut is only tightened to 43 ft.lbs but the threads should be coated with Optimoly HT or the like (copper grease).

Jeremy Pinsly

Can you use never-seize or equivalent on the threads?

Jeremy Pinsly

Jimq and I are going to change our suspensions tomorrow.

I am looking thru the Bentley tech manual, and it only lists the diameter of the metric bolds required to be replaced when removing and replacing. Can someone please tell me how long each bolt listed below is?

Would replacing them with 316 stainless be a concern?

1. M14 bolt that connects bottom of rear suspension to trailing arm
2. M12 bolt that attaches bottom of front suspension to wheel bearing carrier

JasonAndreas

Optimoly HT is a high temperature copper based anti-seize and Optimoly TA is an aluminum based version? The workshop manuals go to the trouble of specifying where each should be used so I would use the equivalent copper (Loctite C5-A, etc.) and aluminum based anti-seize. Optimoly is just a brand-name so if you can find the equivalent than go for it. The tubes (8oz) from Porsche were like $6-9USD and included enough to lube every fastener in several cars so I just ordered them.

Jeremy Pinsly

Thanks Jason. Do you think the dealers will stock those materials for sale to consumers?

JasonAndreas

#900-067-310-09 -- M12 x 1.25 x 90mm
#999-084-623-09 -- M12 x 1.25 locking nut
#999-025-212-09 -- 12.5 x 24mm x 3mm washer

#900-082-102-80 -- M14 x 1.5 x 100mm
#999-025-149-02 -- washer

Your local dealer should have them in stock, their mechanics are supposed to use the stuff everyday. I bought mine from Sunset Imports so don't be surprised if your local price is probably more than $6. BMW dealers should also stock both.

#000-043-004-00 Optimoly HT (90g)

I will look for my receipt with the part number for Optimoly TA.

Jeremy Pinsly

Thanks Jason,
I have access to all the hardware at work.......
I'll have to visit the dealer to get the Optimoly.

I appreciate the time you spent to get me the info.

warmfuzzies

Personally I would never do this without spring compressors, mine were wound down a fair amount, I would say if I would have just let them go they would have taken my head off.
It's just not worth mesing around short cuts on this type of job, especially as it only adds 5 mins tops.

kevin

jimq

Ok Jeremy its off to Autozone in the morning to see if I can get a compressor.