Installing Springs

Provost · Mar 25, 2009, 04:40 PM

Hey there,
I am in the process of installing springs and all is going well, but when I go and try to loosen the top nut to release the upper assembly everything just spins in place. Getting nowhere.

There is no tension in the spring but I dont know of a way to prevent it from spinning.

Thanks in advance

cfdfireman1 · Mar 25, 2009, 07:21 PM

I know this isn't an Evo strut but you may have to hold the center (allen wrench in this case) and turn the nut or use an impact wrench.

Provost · Mar 25, 2009, 11:58 PM

Yeah it seems like there is a spot to grab the top part with a wrench but that would make it impossible to get a ratchet or spanner in there. Kinda wish they were as easy as the evo struts haha.

japordie · Mar 26, 2009, 12:32 AM

1.ok this is what i did. if im not mistaken you use an deep 14mm for the top of the strut, while someone else pinchs the center of the strut (the shiny silver part). you may want to use somthing in between the plyers and the strut so you don't scratchit up. I used a peice of cloth. now your partner is going to clamp down really hard (on the strut itself) if he's (or she, trying not to piss anyone off LOL) not using an impact wrench while you unscrew the bolt up top, it took me a couple of tries. Now as you get to the top, you should find somthing to fold over the top of the strut, leaving a little space so that you continue unscrewing until you fell it pop, remember to point it in an area where it's least likely to hit somthing or someone.

2. You also can just go down to a cool shop and have them loosen it up for you with an air tool, then hand tighten it back just a little bit, so you can get back to your work spot safely.

I know your wondering why i told you both ways, because the shop i went to wanted to charge me 20bucks to loosen some bolts! so i let them do the front at the shop and i did the back at home. So just in case they charge you, i told you the free way. hopefully they will loosen it and then tighten it for you when your done. remember to cover the spring before you fully unscrew it off. i hope this was of some use.

blaze_125 · Mar 26, 2009, 06:46 AM

Sorry for french fellas

Si tu fais la job avec un impact sa devrait sortir tout seul. T'utilise un spring compressor pour enlever la tension du spring?

Tu pourrait essayer d'huiler le tarot et laisser un peu de temp à l'huile pour bien pénétrer les thread de la vis. Ensuite sa devrait sortir. Ou tu peux aussi chauffer le boulon avec une torche. Ton boulon est juste saisie en ce moment... Si t'es dans la région de l'outaouais laisse le moi savoir. Je vais te le faire à l'impact.

blaze_125 · Mar 26, 2009, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by japordie

remember to point it in an area where it's least likely to hit somthing or someone.

Use a spring compressor or leave it to professionals. End of story. You should not be posting stuff like that. Taking struts apart without a spring compressor can be very dangerous, harmful and yada yada yada. If you don't have the tools to work safely, don't do it. There are some places that will rent/loan a vast array of tools.

mxviper73 · Mar 27, 2009, 07:19 AM

Your major parts departments have spring compressor, they are not like the professioal mechanics tools but they work! Be safe! done shoot your friends.

blaze_125 · Mar 27, 2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mxviper73

they are not like the professioal mechanics tools but they work!

Agreed, but it's safer than going like...: "humm... lets aim it in that direction and pray to god nobody walks by, or lets pray to god the spring doesn't bounce back, or lets pray to god I take my hand/wrench of the nut fast enough"

In my area, the spring compressors are like this:

It's easy to use, and it's FREE!!!

02-Lancer-Es · Mar 27, 2009, 10:53 AM

Spring compressors are for *****s

I've never used one and I've lowered about 8 cars .
Just hold your foot on it and loosen it up , should only pop about 2 inch's !

blaze_125 · Mar 27, 2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02-Lancer-Es

Spring compressors are for *****s

I've never used one and I've lowered about 8 cars .

Until you do it wrong and get it right in the face.
When it happens, come back and share your story. I want to be the first to laugh back at you.

Spring compressors are usually lent for free. Use them.

02-Lancer-Es · Mar 27, 2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blaze_125

Until you do it wrong and get it right in the face.
When it happens, come back and share your story. I want to be the first to laugh back at you.

Spring compressors are usually lent for free. Use them.

Ha !
I've lowered so many cars let alone build a couple honda motors .
You think i don't know how to do it ?

I don't care if they gave me money to use them i still wouldn't do it .
My statement again , only pussy's use them

blaze_125 · Mar 27, 2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02-Lancer-Es

Ha !
I've lowered so many cars let alone build a couple honda motors .
You think i don't know how to do it ?

Congrats, I'll get a shirt that says "02-Lancer-Es is my hero"

Reminds me of a guy who used to weld without a maks.
Only pussies use a mask... Guess what... He can barely see now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02-Lancer-Es

My statement again , only pussy's use them

My statement? Only retards don't.

So now that know we don't agree. Let's give Provost the help he came here for.

Provost · Mar 27, 2009, 04:53 PM

Thanks for the help gents, I got the front struts taken apart. They were a pain in the arse but they finally came apart.

I ended up using a product to help with the rust and then pinching the middle with a pair of vice grips and rubber.
Tomorrow I will put the front back together and get crackin on the back. Hopefully the nuts will be easier to take off.

Blaze thanks for the offer, I actually am in Aylmer so its not far from Ottawa. I will keep your offer in mind if my back ones give me problems.

japordie · Mar 29, 2009, 04:02 PM

I agree with 02-lancer-es the compresser is only nessesary for when your putting back the stock spring on the vechicle. otherwise the bolt wont even shot more than a foot. i've done many cars this way, i told him to point it in a safe direction because safety comes first.

nicdeloach · Mar 30, 2009, 03:32 PM

wanna chance it?

oods are against you without at least spring compressor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYFOI...eature=related

i've seen one go through a car's hood and one through a wall in a garage....trust me some have alot of tension even when assebly laying on the ground.