Suspension install - spring compresser REALLY needed?

[nramsey]

Hi all,

Let me start by saying I've installed new springs/shocks or coilovers on 4 of my previous cars and have never needed to use a spring compressor. When disassembling the stock spring/shock unit I usually am able to just place the unit on it's side in the grass with nothing around, put a foot on the top place, and undo the center shock nut. When the nut is undone, the spring ends up pushing the shock out a few feet, but completely without drama. For the rear spring on my 350Z, which was set up like the rear on the A4, I was able to unbolt the lower control arm from the hub and use a jack to slowly lower it until there was no tension on the spring and I could just pull it out.

Has anyone ever tried either of these methods on a B7 A4?

I put coilovers on my B5 A4 and did not use a spring compressor.

Honestly it's no big deal to use one, but they are frustrating and tedious unless you have air tools to do them up quickly.

Thanks!

[ryannorthcott]

for the fronts, i believe it can be done, but i can tell you i wouldn't have been able to do the rears without at least one spring compressor

[Mike@PureMS]

You can certainly unload the front springs using that technique, but you'll never put them back together.
On most Japanese cars, the front strut assembly is accessible through the engine bay, and you can tighten the bolts in there. No such luck with the Audi. You have to compress the spring off the car, and assemble it with a spring compressor.

Rears can be done without a spring compressor by lowering the subframe. However the bolts there are all one-time use stretch bolts, and should be replaced everytime.

[ringofsteel]

^^^^ what he said. But please try Without a compresor. I used one, and I am curious if it would be as painful or more? subscribed

[dblock110]

u can rent one or two from autozone for free

u give them $50, they give u compressors, then u switch back.

[nramsey]

You can certainly unload the front springs using that technique, but you'll never put them back together.
On most Japanese cars, the front strut assembly is accessible through the engine bay, and you can tighten the bolts in there. No such luck with the Audi. You have to compress the spring off the car, and assemble it with a spring compressor.

Rears can be done without a spring compressor by lowering the subframe. However the bolts there are all one-time use stretch bolts, and should be replaced everytime.

For the fronts, are you sure you need a spring compressor when installing lowering springs (such as Eibach)? I've always found that lowering springs have little or no tension when on the shock when off the car, since they are shorter than stock. I've always just been able to push down slightly on the top plate by hand to get the center nut started.

Thanks for the feedback guys!

[nramsey]

u can rent one or two from autozone for free

u give them $50, they give u compressors, then u switch back.

Thanks, that's what I'll probably do to have them just in case. But they are annoying to use, so I'm trying to avoid actually using them [:p] [wrench]

[MR.H]

For the fronts, are you sure you need a spring compressor when installing lowering springs (such as Eibach)? I've always found that lowering springs have little or no tension when on the shock when off the car, since they are shorter than stock. I've always just been able to push down slightly on the top plate by hand to get the center nut started.

Thanks for the feedback guys!

I just use my body weight with that method. Works fine. With the air chuck it goes back together smoothly.

[shamrok]

I didn't need spring compressors when I went from stock sport to H&R springs. I used them on one strut, but not the other. As for the rears, there's really nowhere to fit a jack to lower the rear suspension, as I'd done with other vehicles. I dropped the subframe and there was no issue.

I imagine with non-sport suspension you may need the compressors in front, since they are compressed more, but your method may work.

[MR.H]

I didn't need spring compressors when I went from stock sport to H&R springs. I used them on one strut, but not the other. As for the rears, there's really nowhere to fit a jack to lower the rear suspension, as I'd done with other vehicles. I dropped the subframe and there was no issue.

I imagine with non-sport suspension you may need the compressors in front, since they are compressed more, but your method may work.

Sorry if I am jacking the topic. About how far would you say you could drop the sub frame in the back? It is a lil nerve wrecking when I tried it.

[nramsey]

Hi guys,

I did the install today so figured I'd report back.

I ended up using most of this DIY, but a few tweaks.
http://forums.fourtitude.com/zerothread?id=2637475

The only time I used spring compressors was to remove the stock rear (non-sport) springs from the car. Didn't need them to reinstall the Eibach rear springs and didn't need them in the front at all. Disassembling the front shocks worked just like I thought it would...just put in on it's side in the grass, stepped on the top plate, and undid the center nut. Shock ended up going out about 8" or so. No drama, very quick. Eibach dropped right on the new Koni shocks only needing very slight hand pressure to get the nut started.

To answer Mr H's question, I ended up dropping the rear subframe about 2" or so. I supported the lower control arm under the spring while I did it, and at one point I actually backed out the rear subframe bolt all the way out so it came out. The bolt had no tension on it at the time since I was supporting it with the jack. I would say 2" is about the most you can drop it before the bolts come all the way out.