Discover How To Install Coil Springs

Changing coil springs is normally done either for the reason that existing springs are wearing out and have to be replaced to restore its original handling and ride height, or because the user has aftermarket parts that he intends to install. It is possible to tell if springs are deteriorating in relation to the reduced handling ability along with a gradually lower ride height.

You can make positive changes to coil springs absolutely need garage, and it is not an exceedingly challenging task - but if done improperly, it can be dangerous, due to the pressure coiled-up springs produce. Follow these steps to ensure that you complete this task with safety in mind.

1. Jack the car up and support its weight using jack stands. Be sure to chock the opposite wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. The car should be in park or in first (if it has a manual transmission). Be sure that the emergency brake is fully applied. Remove the jack from the elevated car and set it aside. Never work on a car that is being supported by only the jack.

2. Remove the jacked up wheels and set them aside. The wheels can be placed sideways under the frame of the car as a last resort emergency stop. This will help prevent you from being crushed if one of the jack stands fails. Next, inspect the area you have to work with. Some cars may provide access to the springs as soon as the wheels are removed, while others may require the removal of other components, such as brakes or shock absorbers, before you can get to the springs. Since all cars are different, consult a repair manual specific to your make and model if your car does require the removal of any additional parts.

3. Insert a spring compressor in the coil spring that is to be removed. This step is vitally important. Failure to control the spring could cause it to release all of its stored energy as soon as the control arm is free, resulting in catastrophic injuries or even death. With the spring held in a coiled state using a spring compressor, it is a good idea to add a second step of redundancy by wrapping a chain around the spring and clamping it into place so that if the compressor fails, the chain will stop the spring from releasing all of its energy.

4. Check one last time to make sure that the spring is secured, then free the lower control arm by removing any bolts that hold it into place. These will have been put on with a torque wrench, so they may require a torque wrench to unscrew. With the bolts and nuts set aside, gently lower the control arm all of the way. The spring will now be free to remove and set aside. Since the old spring is used or worn out, you can simply discard it.

5. Compress the new coil spring using a spring compressor. If desired, add a chain around the spring's length for extra safety like you did before. Now, simply place the spring in the same place inside the spring holders that the old one was resting, and raise the control arm back into place. Replace any bolts or nuts that were removed, and torque them back into place using torque specs from a repair manual, or simply tightening them with the same force it took to remove the old ones. Once the control arm has been replaced, you can safely remove the coil spring compressor and chain (if applicable).

6. If needed, replace any extra components that had to be removed to access the coil springs. Once this is done, the wheel can be put back on and held into place by tightening the lug nuts. Simply repeat these steps on the other three corners of the car to replace the rest of the coil springs. Be aware that the suspension design may vary from front to back, and you may have to alter your technique slightly to compensate for these design differences.