what sort of tools do i need to change shocks and springs

and is it somthing i can do myself

i have basic idea of cars (can change wheels hehehe and brake pads etc)


just not sure how i would get the spring back on do i need to compress it at all

when the car is jack up is there any pressure on the spring

thanks

Hey man,

all u need is spanners and spring compressors and a jack - either factory scissor jack, trolley jack, or even a chassis lift (not that anyone has on in their shed of course)

You will need to compress the springs before undoing the retaining nut on the shocks yes.

It is an easy job and despite what fooya says - should take between 3 and 4 hours.

Manual

I agree with Manual....
BE CAREFUL with the Springs... They may look like they are not under much preasure.... but if one goes of in your garage.. it will do some nasty damage.
Just act responsiable and take all care ...
You will need to...
Loosen nuts (on wheels :D )
Jack car (lift it in the air :lol:)
remove the rims... (boy this all sound rude :D)
loosen the 3 top screws under the bonnet, and under the parcel shelf in the rear (note you only need to remove the bottom and the back of the back seat... not the whole parcel shelf... (then use a 14mm rachet to loosen remove the 3 top screws).
For the front ones.. if you have a camber kit fitted scratch the position on the struts to make it easier to realign later.. then use some pliers and unhook the retainer around the brake lines. remove the nut that connects the ABS to the strut.
Undo the large 17mm or 19mm nuts and bolts on the bottom of the struts.. (2 each strut)... gentle lower and remove the strut... becarful not to let the CV drive shafts pop out of the gearbox...
Repeat for the other side and pretty much the same for the rear..
On the back ones there is no need to remove the horse shoe shaped bar or the fish hook one from the body)
Attach the spring compressors to either side of the spring and tighten until they are a little loose on the shaft. (Follow compressors instructions)
then remove the split pin on the top of the shock... remove the top bolt and then take of the top plate... remove spring... replace spring with lowered ones...
Reverse all steps until you are done...
This is from memory ... but I only did then all again on Saturday.. so it is still sort fresh... (I didnt replace springs hoqwever... I did full swap overs)
Hope this helps..
Sorry it is long.....
Hang on a sec... I aint sorry it took so long Im helping YOU out for goodness sake... if I want to waffle on for no reason I will....
*Edit - by Manual... Stop your waffeling Butcher :D*
Fine
Post end
Haydn

U actor uy Tbutcher - I didn't edit and tell u to stop waffling - however there are a few things i might like to say to clarify it.

Firstly - might be wise to loosen the nut on the top of the strut prior to removing the entire assembly - you can get more leverage this way - just dont remove it entirly just crack the bead.

Also - If you don't have ABS (like myself) u don't need to disconnect it - the front struts are held in at the base by 2 bolts (17mm from memory) and teh rear struts are held in by one bolt - it is on the centre of the car side of teh strut - may need to feel behind to understand what I mean. Blake has a picture of this - so maybe he can post it - or I can write up the complete tech tip and it will be easier to understand.

the front springs will need to be compressed very hard - they are actually under a lot of pressure and you need to be very carefull!!!

But apart from that it is all common sense and work safe - so I am sure you will have no issues.

Manual

You post *****.... your just copying what I said :D
**Edit - by Manual... Ill be your Bi!ch Butcher **
HAHA :badgrin:
Haydn

If I was to edit someone's post I normally have a speel like this at the end of their post!!

haha - all good mate!!

Manual

Tbutcher

what does a spring commpressor look like??

where can i get one from and how much?? or can i borrow yours hehee

do u have pics of the spring/shock coming off??



thanks

If I can get in touch with blake he has a heap of pics of my change over - but i will see.

Spring compressors are basically a piese of threaded rod with a hook on either end - u use two of these to each spring (one spring at a time) and just wind them tighter.

They cost about 30 bucks from any auto store - repco, automasters, marlows etc

Make sure you get double teeth hooks rather than single teeth ones!! They are safer!!

Manual

**Edit**

I just thought I would post this pick - it shows what spring compressors look like!!

http://ebay1.ipixmedia.com/abc/M28/_EBAY_c6b2ff498bb61ea4e5cbcc422aad6df5/i-1.JPG

These are the same ones I have!! These are for sale on ebay if u want them!! haha

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2421485119&category=30917

Manual

thanks for all the help

i just read the post again and i think i get he idea

thanks to both

oops i edited before u replied - might like to re-read my last post!!

Manual

Megatron...
I think my friend has my set... I just got them from Supercheap... about $30.. the same as in the pic above.
If you have an air ratchet gun it is so easy as you just insert the top and pull the trigger and they tighten up...
btw you need to make sure that they are on the biggest setting since on the magnas they are REALLY TIGHT... and you have to compress them HEAPS to get them to go loose.
Haydn

Give me a call if you need some help... you got the number.

im orderin the 40mm springs ina a few weeks, gonna get my mech to the job, im too stupid :(