Common questions

Can you change coil springs yourself?

Can you change coil springs yourself?

Push down on the control arm or end of the axle and remove the old coil spring, decompress it (evenly!) and install the compressor on the new spring, compressing it evenly. Install the new spring and raise the jack to reconnect the suspension components you loosened or removed above.

How to replace coil springs in front of car?

Steps to Replace Front Coil Springs 1 Loosen the lug nuts, then raise the front of the vehicle using a jack. Secure it with jack stands, and then remove the lug nuts and wheels.

Can a coil spring be replaced with a new nut?

Keep all the nuts safe so that you can use them to replace the new parts. Coil springs don’t come with replacement nuts. To remove the coil from the strut you must, above all, observe safety. The coil springs must be compressed before you undo the bolt at the top of the strut.

Is it cheaper to replace springs with shocks?

Factor in the labor involved to replace a strut damper (in a MacPherson strut) by removing and re-using the spring, and just throwing away the whole assembly for a new one is often cheaper. Considering the benefit of new springs and shocks, this is a no brainer. Always get the combo.

Do you need a compressor to remove a coil spring?

If your car is lowered, you may not need a spring compressor as removing the bolt from the rear shock will allow the suspension to “sag” enough to remove the spring or only require you to push down on the suspension to remove the coil. Compress the coil spring.

Is it OK to replace both shocks and springs?

The springs are separate components, and it’s not unthinkable that one side can become weak while the other is OK. While this will make one side of the vehicle sag lower, replace both in this case. Always replace shocks, struts, coil springs and leaf springs in sets rather than individually.

When do you replace coil springs on your car?

While many will argue the necessity of it, unless you know how long the coil spring has been compromised, you need to understand that the shock or strut has taken up the slack of the spring. If you want a more desirable ride, then yes; replace the shocks or struts.

Can a coil spring be removed from a strut?

To remove the coil from the strut you must, above all, observe safety. The coil springs must be compressed before you undo the bolt at the top of the strut. This is one of the most dangerous parts of vehicle maintenance and the spring can uncoil and do serious harm.

What’s the best way to replace a suspension spring?

Move the lower control arm down until the spring is completely loose. Remove the spring from the vehicle. Step 7: Remove the old strut or shock. Since you’re replacing the spring, it’s a good idea to replace the strut or shock at the same time. Although this step is not required, it’s recommended by most manufacturers and ASE certified mechanics.

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Ruth Doyle