Cracked coil spring!

[Baz]

Grrr!
I was replacing my brake rotors, and noticed a small crack in the coil spring.
I don't know how long it's been there or anything.
I drove about 12 miles, and didn't feel anything odd or different, but is this a show stopper?
There's no way I can get a new pair and replace them by wednesday next.
What do you all think, will it be OK?
Grrr again.

 

[tosoutherncars]

Fronts? Should be able to change those in an evening... particularly using Jack's "kick it" method!

 

[tosoutherncars]

Just make sure NOT to "notice" any more jobs that need doing, while you're under there!

 

[Guest]

I made up a tool out of some over the counter studs and nuts to drop the perch (spring mounting base- attached to the lower control arm via 3 fasteners) out of the lower control arm to ease the spring out. If I recall correctly I cut 3 5/16 studs 4.5" long and a bunch of nuts. I recall seeing a "thread" somewhere on this online and I followed suit. When I did my changeout to drop springs it was over the course of a lazy evening. 3 hours at most.

 

[jlaird]

Coil springs are fast and easy. If you have one you can do it in less than an hour.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

OK, I deleted my previous post. Change it out. Do you need a pair of springs, or can you find some locally?

 

[jlaird]

If you are willing, I bet someone would bring a spring to the Lake. Easy change out.

 

[ChrisS]

Barry, I've got spares. If you want one I should be able to get one to you for Friday delivery. Let me know.

 

[Baz]

Do I need one, or should I change both?
Question for the Ozarks travellers, is it possible to change it out down there, before the autocross? I'm swamped at work so I could get the time off to get down there.....
Slap up dinner is on me?
Thanks guys!

 

[jlaird]

We can change it out at the Lake, not a prob at all.

I will have a small floor jack, someone bring a couple of stands.

 

[Baz]

How about I buy a brand new pair then?
Is there anything else that needs to be changed at the same time? I can bring stands.

 

[jlaird]

New or old, makes no difference. Maybe someone has one for you.

Think maybe Trevor has one.

 

[Baz]

Awesome.
Trevor, would you be so kind as to throw one of those in your trunk please?
I promise to pay very close attention, and by the time I get home, I should have a new set from Moss to put on.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I would Baz except I do not have a trunk.
I'll throw them in the boot. I'll bring a pair just in case there is a huge difference.

 

[Baz]

Highly appreciated Trevor.
Do I need a spring compressor?

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Nope, just tools to remove the caliper (line will stay attached) and top trunnion bolt. The hardest part will be getting it up high on some jack stands. Maybe you should bring a couple of short wood blocks.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Doh, tie rod end needs to be popped out of the steering arm too.

 

[jlaird]

Needed to change spring.

Floor jack, jack stand. Pliers to remove cotter pin if it is there. Wrench to remove bolt on the top of the spindle kind of where it connects to the front shock. New cotter key maybe. One size 10 or 11 shoe to give the spring a kick.

That's all guys. Maybe I should give a class in how to....

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I always drop the a-arm way down (taking the TRE off and such), but I'm always up for learning something new.

 

[jlaird]

Aye arm way down and yep need to remove the stearing link.


hay Trevor, we can call this a tech session.