Hi, is it easier to remove the whole strut assembly with the spring attached and install them complete < are there any tricks to or things to watch out for when doing this ? thanks
Hi, First off this is a potential dangerous job, the springs, even stock worn units are held under compression, so be aware that without the proper tools, i e decent spring compressors you can run in heaps of trouble. Now with the waring out the way lol, you can easily take the entire sub assembly out as one, in fact trying to it any other way would be a real pita. There are the 3 top bolts and then the bolts in to the hub plus IIRC the drop link as well, you will need to disconnect the brake hose on each side to. Once the bolts are out the unit should drop down free from the car. Next will come the clamping of the springs, make sure you do this in an even manner, I try to use 3 clamps per spring, then once the spring is clamped you can undo the top nut and remove the assembly. Depending upon what you are doing, you can either replace the spring, or spring and insert. check that your top mount is in good condition, this is the rubber mount that sits just under the inner wing, the rubber can split and perish, which is not good at all. If you take you time its a fairly easy job, although its easier to have a mate helping. HTH
Spring compressor What they should look like before you put them back together If your changing shocks then the old ones may be full of oil so have a bucket or something handy. With the exception of the drop link (which you don't have to remove) Alwayzsidewayz is correct. 3 bolts on top 2 bolts on bottom and 1 brake line. You should check down in Technical one of the bottom bolts may be a Camber bolt and should be marked before being removed. #2 (a)
There is a great trick that can be used to avoid having to do any brake work while doing a job like this. I have been meaning to do a proper write up with pictures for it as it's a bit hard to explain. It will save you a lot of time bleeding brakes, messing with brake lines and fittings, etc, etc, etc. More tomorrow, I gotta hit the hay.
cool thanks, is there more diagrams ?? told I can leave brakes lines attached by hacksawing bracket where brake line is supported and bend open enough to remove line, and bend it back when re installing same ? no need for brake bleed, saves shitloads of time too !
