Shock/Spring Removal

[Miles]

I changed out the springs and shocks on my son's 240Z 2 years ago by removing the entire strut assembly and then using a spring compressor changed out the springs and shocks. It took about 4 hours.

I recall reading on this website that there is a way to remove the bolt on the top of the shock and then jack the car up which allows the spring to expand and then, without removing the whole strut from the car, push the strut down and pull it out of the wheel well far enough to then remove the spring and shock out of the strut assembly. A freind told me that he changed the shocks on his Z with this procedure and it only took about 20 minutes per corner:

1. Remove the three nuts that hold the insulator and the center nut from each shock while the car is on the ground.

2. Jack up car and remove the wheel, e-brake cable, brake hose and axle flange.

3. Tilt the strut assembly out of the wheel well, remove the and replace the shock and spring.

Seems like this procedure would stress the brake lines and it would be better to remove all of the lines and then put a jack under the strut assembly and then remove just the center nut on the insulator followed by slowly lowering the jack. This would relieve the compressed spring and then allow pulling the strut away from the car so the spring and shock could be removed.

Thanks

Miles

[Bambikiller240]

I think you'd have to disconnect the brake lines if you did this. I also beleive that it would be far easier to do this on a car that has short strings (rather than stock OEM springs).

I'm never in that much of a hurry to try this method. I'd rather do it the safe and sane way with a spring compresser.

Different strokes for different folks. (no, I don't have a band-aid for your head when you try this)

[Walter Moore]

I wouldn't do that on a bet. If the jack slipped and that spring got loose it would kill you.

I friend of mine (who I swear has an angel on his shoulder) had a car spring escape uncontrolled once, and it tore a hole through the outside wall of his garage. He found it out in the yard.

In fact, I wouldn't try your friend's method with removing the nut then jacking up the car either. Saving time is nice, but I prefer to keep all my body parts attached.

[GunnerRob]

This method is akin to cleaning a semi-automatic shotgun with a shell in the chamber...and three in the tube. :stupid: :stupid: :stupid: PLEASE DON'T USE THIS METHOD!

[g260]

Miles,

If you follow the instructions as described in the atteched site in the Tech section/strut replacement instructions you can't go too wrong. I have used this several times and found it very straightforward.

http://www.sonic.net/~kyle/

Cheers,

geoff

[Bambikiller240]

If you follow the instructions as described in the atteched site in the Tech section/strut replacement instructions you can't go too wrong. I have used this several times and found it very straightforward.

http://www.sonic.net/~kyle/

:stupid: Some people will strike a match in a fireworks factory too.

[Zedrally]

Reminds me of the "How to port & Polish heads" thread

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6302&highlight=port+polish+heads

[Miles]

Geoff

Thanks for the strut replacement procedure. Looks safe.

Thanks

Miles