• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

TR6 problems of old age

Share this page

P

pdplot

Yoda
Country flag
Offline
Tried to install the Goodparts spacers today. No luck. I could not get the suspension to drop down to where I could remove the spring. Short of hammering on the brake drum or jumping on the stub axle, it would not budge so I reluctantly put it back awaiting expert help. It was also a problem wrestling the wheel back on the axle. At (almost) 81 and no physical specimen, it took all I could to get the wheel back on and buttoned up. Guys - enjoy working on your cars while your still able to do so.
 
Removing the spring is dangerous at ANY AGE. Maybe take it to a competent shop and let them install the spacer. They do the work, you enjoy the ride.... you've earned it.
 
Assuming we are talking about the rear springs, did you disconnect the half shaft from the diff? I think you will need to do that to drop the trailing arm enough to get the spring out.
 
The rear wheel axle will drop a little further if you rotate it. The yokes of the U-joints have to align 'just so'. The difference is enough to take all the compression off the rear springs. Give it a try.
 
Good suggestion, Poolboy. I had the wheels locked so they wouldn't turn. But - I still need another strong hand. And the Bentley manual did not say to disconnect the half shaft to remove the spring. Question - how come the "easiest" jobs always turn out to be PITA while the supposedly tough ones - kike removing an exhaust manifold - turn out to be a piece of cake - at least mine did.
 
I bet you won't need 'another strong hand'. Once that Trailing Arm drops the spring will be loose enough to pry out.
Unless there have been some spring spacers stacked on, the spring won't be compressed.
 
I just did this last week following the steps that Darrell is suggesting. Disconnect the dampers and then disconnect the half shafts from the differential. The bolts were tight and it took some effort, but once the half shaft is disconnected the wheel drops freely (I ended up using a jack to support the wheel and lower it gently). The spring can be lifted in/out without effort.

I considered using an external spring compressor but I'm glad I didn't. This was the easiest (and safest) path.
 
Back
Top