How to change a coil spring on car [AUTODOC TUTORIAL]

How to change coil springs on a car – replacement tutorial

Required Tools:

                      Tap wrench
                    
                      Wheel impact socket
                    
                      Impact socket
                    
                      Hydraulic strut spring compressor
                    
                      Strut spring compressor
                    
                      Jack
                    
                      Coil spring compressor

Buy tools

Please note!

Depending on the car’s trim level, different coil springs may be installed
Their stiffness depends on the number of coils and the wire diameter
The springs are always under load, which causes them to lose their properties over time
Excessive pressure on the springs and corrosion can cause their coils to break

1.

Before starting to work, familiarise yourself with the suspension design

Important!
The spring can be a separately mounted component or be a part of the suspension strutSeparately mounted springs can be installed on a dependent suspension (axle beam) or an independent oneIn the latter case, it is the suspension arm that is spring-loaded
2.

The axle beam should first be jacked up a little, as the shock absorber limits the spring travel. The suspension also needs to be jacked up to prevent the bushings from tearing
3.

To remove a spring from a dependent suspension, undo the lower shock absorber fasteners
4.

Before getting down to work, make sure that all the sensors and wires are disconnected from the suspension
5.

Inspect the mounts and replace them if necessary

Please note!
If they are worn out, you will hear a squeaking noise when the springs are working
6.

Clean the mounting seats on the car body and suspension components
7.

Screw in the fasteners that attach the shock absorbers to the suspension without tightening them

AUTODOC recommends:
Only tighten the fasteners after jacking up the axle beam to its normal positionIn the normal position, the suspension is supporting the weight of the lowered carUse the tightening torque recommended by the car manufacturer
8.

In this case, first jack up the suspension arm a little and loosen the fasteners
9.

If there are сamber bolts, be sure to make marks. These will be used as a reference when mounting the fasteners back in place
10.

Jack up the suspension arm a little to compensate for the spring action
11.

Loosen all the suspension arm fasteners without unscrewing them completely

Important!
This is necessary to prevent the bushings from being damaged when the arm is pulled aside
12.

Remove the fastener on one side of the suspension arm and lower the arm while lowering the transmission jack
13.

Make sure that the spring is fully released and then remove it
14.

Clean the mounting seat and install a new spring.
15.

Reassemble all the components in reverse order

Attention!
Due to the high spring force, there is a risk of displacement of the jacked-up partTo avoid this, it must be securely fastened
16.

Fit the fasteners according to the marks
17.

Jack up the suspension arm so that the bushings take their normal position and tighten the fasteners

Please note!
A suspension strut can be fitted on either the front or rear axleIt will need to be removed to replace the spring
18.

On the front axle, you can access the upper fasteners of the strut from the engine bay. On the rear - via the boot or passenger compartment
19.

Remove the lower strut fasteners. They may be located on the steering knuckle or suspension arm
20.

First, compress the spring and lock it in this position. This will unload the upper part of the strut
21.

Disassemble the strut

Important!
You may need a special tool to unscrew the upper strut fastener
22.

When removing the parts, note their original position. For example, some mounts have a certain direction of installation

Be careful!
To avoid injury, make sure that the spring does not exert any force on the mount before unscrewing the upper fastener
23.

After unscrewing the fastener, remove all the components one by one
24.

Release the spring and remove it from the suspension strut

AUTODOC experts recommend:
Consider the direction of installation of the componentsAlso note the position of the spring in its mounting seatInspect the following components and replace them if necessary: the upper mount, the bearing, the dust boot, the bump stop, and the strut itself
25.

Install all the components in reverse order
26.

Tighten the fasteners with a torque wrench to the manufacturer's recommended torque

Important!
Make sure that the spring is reliably secured in its mounting seatsRemember that the components must be replaced on both sides of the axle
27.

Clean the mounting seats on the car body and suspension parts
28.

Install the suspension strut assembled with a new spring
29.

Tighten the fasteners with a torque wrench to the manufacturer's recommended torque