Coil Over Removal

[kevin the chicken]

I am just about to attempt to remove the front coil overs on my series 7. Do I need to reduce the tension on the spring before I start to undo anything. It is compressed by a massive nut on the damper. I don't have a spanner that large so if I need to slacken it off its going to be a pain.

Thanks Kevin

[Guest 2b cruising]

No. Just place axle stands under chassis and not any part of suspention.

If you like your ride hieght you can accurately measure them on the bench before you strip.

That gives an accurate figure to set the new ones at.

Why are you removing, are they leaking or are you replying the top wishbone handling kit?

[kevin the chicken]

No I am putting some softer springs on and replacing the shocks as they are probably the original ones from 1996. They are very rusty too.

[Guest 2b cruising]

Are they Gaz shocks.

Rust means nothing.

Once off and springs off, try opening and closing.

This should be stiff and smooth.

They can always be cleaned and repainted.

[fry61]

No. Just place axle stands under chassis and not any part of suspention.

Are you sure Ken, our 2B front suspension springs are still under load at full droop of the wishbone.

[Bob Tucker]

I'd use spring compressors to be safe

[theduck]

If you are loving the shock and strut as one, no need to compress the springs is there?

[Guest 2b cruising]

That's correct Duck.

If your shock still has further to travel when suspension fully dropped, something has been set up wrong.

Spring is locked to shock absorber top and bottom.

When suspension goes down and the car goes up, the length of shock determines the amount of travel.

This is standard practice on Gaz or other coil overs.

On our style of car I am right on what I said.

You then release the spring on the adjusters. At this point compressors might be required dependant on length of Spring against length of shocker stroke.

[Bob Tucker]

Spring compressors may allow you to undo the big nut by hand

[Guest 2b cruising]

Yes Bob, but as said, might require compressor.

Some have loose springs when fully extended depending on the setting.

You will know if it is safe or not because as you said, big c nuts might be tight.

If possible, best without compressors as powder coat/paint can easily damage.

[niduncan]

If they are the original shocks then the large nut is actually 2 nuts locked together, a thick and a thin one:

 

I made a couple of spanners from 5mm thick steel to undo the bolts:

 

I have a series 3 with inboard shocks and the nuts are a bugger to undo but they do need to be loosened to release the spring compression.

 

[kevin the chicken]

Just had another quick look and although the damper looks very similar with the thread and nut arrangement there is only one nut. Shouldn't surprise me really, bet they had two left over and threw them in the scrap bin. So is the general consensus that I can remove them intact? I don't really want or need to mess about with them if I don't need to as they are not going to be reused.

[theduck]

If not re-using, take them off intact.

[Guest 2b cruising]

Some do have just one nut with a set screw in to lock it to the male thread.

Usually a small Allen screw.

As the Duck says, why bother stripping if being replaced.

Use them side by side to set up the length of the new springs. (ride hieght).

[kevin the chicken]

Thanks guys. I have just put a new power cord and filters on the vacuum cleaner and removed enough hair from the brush to stuff a sofa so I shall be heading to the garage after work tomorrow without the slightest bit of guilt!