Installed Rear Springs Without Removing a Single Bolt

[mecheng]

I recently read JJDubya's stripped knuckle thread (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/550912-Stripped-thread-in-rear-knuckle) and thought I'd share some knowledge for the DIYers out there.

Note: I searched around to see if anyone has mentioned this before but I couldn't find any threads.

I was able to strap a couple spring compressors to the OEM springs (see picture) and maneuver them out of the wheel well without turning a single suspension bolt. I jacked both sides up, rested it on jack stands, removed both wheels, then from there it was simply a matter of torquing down the compressors until the springs were freed. From there I removed the compressors, attached them to the H&R springs in the same orientation as they were on the OEM springs (to ensure the compressors would fit into the same place) and then backed off the compressors being careful to ensure the springs seated properly at both the top and bottom.

My only apprehension with this method was that by torquing the springs down you could possibly be compressing them beyond the material's yield strength, but I know that springs are fully compressed several times during the manufacturing and quality control process to verify the proper spring rate so this wouldn't (and logically shouldn't) occur. Paired with the fact that they'd only be compressed for a short period of time and my worries were assuaged.

With this method there's no need to lower the subframe which could lead to serious alignment issues (if not replaced properly), no need to wrestle with highly torqued bolts, and quicker.

Obviously larger more bulky type compressors wouldn't work, but these were fine and cost me about $30.

Thought I'd share for the sake of others about to tackle this mod.

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o711/mechanicaleng/DSC_0808_zpsfe1f3d18.jpg

[S!Lver_S4]

Getting this done next week... Reputable shop in my area is asking 500 for install/alignment. Congrats on some good DIY work

[saxon]

500 for install and alignment is robbery

should only be about 300-400 at most

[schirm]

Good DIY, Audi wanted 260 from me to do just an alignment.

[Wheelman2188]

Not to jack a thread but real quick since we're talking alignment. After you install springs does the car have enough factory adjustment to get back into spec or do you need other new suspension complements. I.e. on my TT you needed control arm bushings. On my 911 you needed adjustable upper control arms and toe links.

[1MORLAP]

Not to jack a thread but real quick since we're talking alignment. After you install springs does the car have enough factory adjustment to get back into spec or do you need other new suspension complements. I.e. on my TT you needed control arm bushings. On my 911 you needed adjustable upper control arms and toe links.

Short answer - No.

Longer answer - it depends. How low - which springs? And, many will actually want the extra negative camber, little out of factory spec, but quite reasonable and desirable if tracked or driven aggressively.

[Blackhawk878]

In your pic, is that how the compressors were positioned to r and r the springs? If so, how did you get to the top screw on the compressor, just a wrench?

[mecheng]

In your pic, is that how the compressors were positioned to r and r the springs? If so, how did you get to the top screw on the compressor, just a wrench?

Yeah I used a wrench when I couldn't get onto it with a socket. That's exactly how it came out from the car.

[Blackhawk878]

Thanks man.

[MrFunk]

Is this safe? One of those compressors fail and the other will be blasted I'm sure... would cause significant damage if not fully out of the car or could kill you if it hit you... seems like a high risk method.

[mecheng]

Is this safe? One of those compressors fail and the other will be blasted I'm sure... would cause significant damage if not fully out of the car or could kill you if it hit you... seems like a high risk method.

... is jacking a car safe? One of those stands could fail and crush you while you're wrenching.

There are inherent risks with everything you do if one decides to DIY. They never gave any indication of undue stress, and considering they're purpose built for the task I was comfortable with the method. It's not as if I was using c-clamps and a few boards...

[primm907]

Short answer - No.

Longer answer - it depends. How low - which springs? And, many will actually want the extra negative camber, little out of factory spec, but quite reasonable and desirable if tracked or driven aggressively.

I have the same question. Just dropped on H&R OE springs, so about an inch. Should I be able to just get an alignment and be good?

[JJDubya]

Glad my thread inspired you to try. Your method requires some pretty compact spring compressors and I'm amazed you were able to maneuver the assembly out. What brand compressors? I had the "OEM" brand and there was no way to do what you did as they are beefy. Very tight in there until the rock guard and upper rubber mount come out. Kudos! For what it is worth, the other method (disconnect sway, upper shock mount, loosen subframe) doesn't require compressors at all. Sort of the "inverse" of your method. Choose: bolts or compressors.

[FiftyPence]

H&R OE springs will only require an alignment whereas H&R Sport & H&R supersport springs will require adjustable upper front control arms to be fitted then alignment.

[mecheng]

...Choose: bolts or compressors.

Your post wasn't so much the inspiration, more the catalyst to post what I'd done a few weeks ago. The compressors I got were Princess Auto's Made in China special - Powerfist!

[primm907]

H&R OE springs will only require an alignment whereas H&R Sport & H&R supersport springs will require adjustable upper front control arms to be fitted then alignment.

I was hoping that'd be the answer! Appreciate the response, FiftyPence.

[dj08r32]

500 for install and alignment is robbery

should only be about 300-400 at most

if you could show us receipt that would be great.

[TDIaholic]

You can get a little bit of extra room to work with if you undo the lower end of the shock absorber and the rear sway bar. I also did my springs without dropping the subframe.

[Nixon_S4]

I had H&R Sport springs installed a couple of weeks ago and wasn't aware of the adjustable upper front control arm required. Actually, we installed everything and seems to work like a charm.


You can get a little bit of extra room to work with if you undo the lower end of the shock absorber and the rear sway bar. I also did my springs without dropping the subframe.

This is what we did to install the rear springs and as we had a car lift, we managed to do it without lowering the rear subframe. Some elbow grease and putting my 200 lbs at work helped as I forced down each side while my friend was fitting the springs.

[integroid]

500 for install and alignment is robbery

should only be about 300-400 at most

Each market is different. I went to a few shops that wanted $600-$800 just to install the springs.

Figure a good alignment will cost you around $100 so $400 just for labor isnt crazy expensive but a bit high.

[FiftyPence]

During my spring install the shop found a seized bolt to contend with which increased the install cost drastically :(

[wwhan]

...This is what we did to install the rear springs and as we had a car lift, we managed to do it without lowering the rear subframe. Some elbow grease and putting my 200 lbs at work helped as I forced down each side while my friend was fitting the springs.

+1

It would be much easier with an assistant to pry the lower control arm down (with lower shock bolt and sway bar end link disconnected). I did it myself by using my weight on the pry bar & popping out the spring. The new spring is shorter and goes in easier.

[phoebeusfenix]

Bringing this back from the dead...anyone else done this this way? Installing OE springs tomorrow and curious of the success people have had.

[tanklee]

liar! How did you remove the springs without removing the wheels and WHEEL BOLTS! [:D]

[Vogz]

Bringing this back from the dead...anyone else done this this way? Installing OE springs tomorrow and curious of the success people have had.

I used this method and it worked like a charm. There isn't much room for spring compressors so make sure you have the same style that's pictured in the OP.

[CloseEncounters]

Nice thread and well done! Another quick and easy way for the rears... using a pair of motorcycle strut spring compressors if you can get your hands on a set. It's amazing how it takes away the stress and cuts the install time down. Ask me how I know? ;)