Lowering Springs first time DIY
#17
There has to be SOME pressure on the springs, otherwise they would bounce around while sitting on the shock/strut. Jim and I reused all of the parts that came off our old suspensions. Make sure you use an anti-seize lubricant when reintalling the bolts. Check the rubber sleeves for the shocks for cracks and/or tears---you will want to replace these if they show signs of age. I would go for the spring compressor tool like Jim mentioned....safety first, even though it is a DIY.
Also, get someone to help you reinstall the shock/strut assembly when it's time to go back into the car---it will make your life much easier......Right Jim?
Also, get someone to help you reinstall the shock/strut assembly when it's time to go back into the car---it will make your life much easier......Right Jim?
#18
Burgled
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From: Altamonte Springs, Fl/Gwynns Island, Va.
Originally Posted by Jeremy Pinsly
Also, get someone to help you reinstall the shock/strut assembly when it's time to go back into the car---it will make your life much easier......Right Jim?
Marc its not hard. Take the airbox off, remove the rear blower and thats it up top. Its tight in there so you do need to move some hoses and brackets out of the way. The bottom is just the one bolt. Use a breaker bar and it will come lose. Like Jeremy says it really is easier if you have someone up top to start the nuts back on. You need to shake them a bit to get them to drop down.
#19
The $669 price for struts/shocks shipped is a very good price and you should replace them now. Unless you have receipts showing your current struts to have under 20K miles, replace them.
The effort you are going through will only have to be repeated after your first test drive.
The effort you are going through will only have to be repeated after your first test drive.
#20
Marc,
I did the rears. Very easy. It helps to have a universal joint and a universal with 13mm socket attached to one end. Also, have several different lengths of extensions for the 3/8 drive. I used an air ratchet which helps.
Joe
I did the rears. Very easy. It helps to have a universal joint and a universal with 13mm socket attached to one end. Also, have several different lengths of extensions for the 3/8 drive. I used an air ratchet which helps.
Joe
#21
On the issue of no pressure on the springs. I noticed a long time ago that when the car was in the air the springs would be loose. Is that normal? Both sides are like this. Obviously when the car is on the ground they would then be compressed. When I put them together with the lower springs I'm guessing there will be even more room.
#23
Loose springs doesn't sound right. When mine is in the air they are not loose. Maybe the perches were lowered too much to lower the car and that allowed the springs to become free when fully extended.
Joe
Joe
#24
Originally Posted by josephaiello
Marc,
I did the rears. Very easy. It helps to have a universal joint and a universal with 13mm socket attached to one end. Also, have several different lengths of extensions for the 3/8 drive. I used an air ratchet which helps.
Joe
I did the rears. Very easy. It helps to have a universal joint and a universal with 13mm socket attached to one end. Also, have several different lengths of extensions for the 3/8 drive. I used an air ratchet which helps.
Joe
I am nervous about heat as I think the arms (?trailing arms) are aluminum.
Any other ideas? I am going deaf from listening to this torque wrench pound away.
Marc
#25
From what I have read you need some serious leverage on that bolt. A very long, beefy breaker bar... or put a pipe over a smaller one.
I will be doing this soon also since I just got word the HR springs finally came in. Looking forward to it!
I will be doing this soon also since I just got word the HR springs finally came in. Looking forward to it!
#27
I had the very same issue,
I drilled mine off, old trick, small drills getting larger till they break through teh wall of teh nut, then hey presto off she goes.
I did however use spring compressors to make sure I still have all my sight......
kevin
I drilled mine off, old trick, small drills getting larger till they break through teh wall of teh nut, then hey presto off she goes.
I did however use spring compressors to make sure I still have all my sight......
kevin
#29
Burgled
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Altamonte Springs, Fl/Gwynns Island, Va.
Originally Posted by 92964cab
From what I have read you need some serious leverage on that bolt. A very long, beefy breaker bar... or put a pipe over a smaller one.
I will be doing this soon also since I just got word the HR springs finally came in. Looking forward to it!
I will be doing this soon also since I just got word the HR springs finally came in. Looking forward to it!
#30
This is good readin'. I'll be doing all this next week. I just ordered new Bilstein HD's. What the hell. I asked earlier didn't see any response. But, The upper strut mounts have a little bit of play (they wiggle) Is this normal or should they be replaced too?