Suspension coil spring replacement

seatbeltnoob

ImranQ wrote: »

Thanks for the input folks.
So in the end I ordered the following:

Compressor has pin locks and had good reviews.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2pc-Coil-Spring-Compressor-For-MacPherson-Struts-Shock-Absorber-Car-Tool-CT3692/223584134907


These springs also seem to be from a decent firm and have 5 yr warranty
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2X-KYB-Front-Suspension-Coil-Springs-RH3029-BRAND-NEW-5-YEAR-WARRANTY/173746668904

I used this: https://www.screwfix.com/p/hilka-pro-craft-coil-spring-compressor-kit-2-piece-set/45986?_requestid=454102

It doesn't have that tiny locking bar, but it has 2 prongs so it's far less like to slip or twist diagonally. The single spring compressors need the lock because they will twist diagonally in perpendicular to the spring rods.

You'll need both open end wrench and a socket and ratchet. Sometimes there's no clearance to get a socket on it, so you need to use an open end spanner.

I wouldn't truth springs on ebay, you dont even know if you are getting genuine products. I would get them from mister-auto.co.uk which have more range and better prices than cp4less, ecp or gsf.

ecp is good because they have more local branches and can be worth buying in the event of warranty claims as you can just get on another car and drive to the store and return products.

ImranQ

Well I got all the stuff but I couldn't open the nuts on the bolts that tie the strut to the wheel! The nuts are literally locked in tight. I sprayed some WD40 a couple of days ago but it clearly didn't work. I tried some more again a little while ago but no luck. The nut at the top of the struct under the bonnet came off though!

Thinking of hiring an impact wrench tomorrow - costs £47 per day!

I'd appreciate if someone has any ideas ?

AdrianC

ImranQ wrote: »

Thinking of hiring an impact wrench tomorrow - costs £47 per day!

<boggle>
You can buy a cheap one for less...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GZWWKFK/

Or just buy a breaker bar.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002PMJ2LE (plus a length of old scaffpole or similar if that isn't 'nuff)

Or just break out the angle grinder, and cut the nut off if it REALLY won't play.

wgl2014

You can buy a mains powered impact wrench for around £40 so I wouldn't bother renting.

Also I find wd40 is rubbish for stuck bolts. GT85 is much better (won a practical classics test some time ago). Use liberally and give it a wire brush to help remove corrosion, do this a couple of times.

ImranQ

AdrianC wrote: »

<boggle>
You can buy a cheap one for less...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GZWWKFK/

Or just buy a breaker bar.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002PMJ2LE (plus a length of old scaffpole or similar if that isn't 'nuff)

Or just break out the angle grinder, and cut the nut off if it REALLY won't play.

Thanks for the links Adrian. Do you have this impact wrench? It only has two reviews both the opposite of each other LOL. Appreciate that reviewers on Amazon can be a bit dim (putting it courteously):

• The gun is useless for taking wheelnuts off cars, it’s not even worth the £40. It’s definitely not 600Nm as Emmy wheel nuts were torqued to 120 and it struggled severely to get them off! It wouldn’t even loosen them! I’ve returned the item and will definitely not buy it again!

• have used it once done the job

Don't know which is true

ImranQ

Just saw this one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/VonHaus-Electric-Impact-Wrench-Driver/dp/B06XKLYQZW

Seems to have better reviews.

glennevis

Use proper penetrating oil.

AdrianC

I always take online reviews with a serious pinch of salt - but I wouldn't rate any cheap electric rattlegun. Mains, higher than battery or 12v, though.

There's a time when a rattlegun is better than a breaker bar - but it's mostly when there's a chance of the other end spinning. Apart from that, it's just a timesaver. I have a rattlegun, but air rather than electric - and I rarely use it, preferring the breaker most of the time.

ImranQ

glennevis wrote: »

Use proper penetrating oil.

Which one do you recommend? I've already tried WD40.

AdrianC

WD40 isn't a penetrating oil. It's a water displacer.

PlusGas is as good as any, widely and cheaply available.