Rear Spring Removal

**Imndeep** · 11-09-2009, 03:25 PM

Hi, How is everyone removing their rear springs? I tried a inner spring removal tool but couldn't get it to work properly. What are you guys using?

**Ahmed303** · 11-09-2009, 03:41 PM

Spring Compressor.

H&R vs. CSi Springs

**rcrad6653** · 11-09-2009, 04:15 PM

+1....exact one I have, but I found a set I like a little better. Work slow, this is potentially dangerous stuff.

**8eights** · 11-09-2009, 04:19 PM

I need those Csi rears!
When i removed my last set for a neighbor, I cut the rears in half, On the car and pulled them off one piece at a time, The rear Eibachs went on without a compressor, Each side took 30 minutes each, I used 3 wrenches and 1 socket and a pry bar, No beer!

**Fatandre** · 11-09-2009, 04:38 PM

this doesnt look easy

**rcrad6653** · 11-09-2009, 04:48 PM

It isn't hard Andre, but it can be involved. It's potentially very dangerous because the springs are usually under tension, and carelessness can be disastrous or even fatal.

**TxGR8White** · 11-09-2009, 04:51 PM

rear spring can be removed without a compressor. Put car on jack stands and use a second hydraulic jack under the lower wishbone. Raise the hydraulic jack to put some pressure on the spring, remove the eccentric bolt (make sure you mark or index it's position first), lower the hydraulic jack and remove the rear spring once it clears the wishbone. Installation is opposite of removal.

NOTE: Be very carefull while doing this type of repair. Springs are potentially very dangerous and unless you really know what the hell you are doing, have someone help you that does.

**Bryson** · 11-09-2009, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by TxGR8White

rear spring can be removed without a compressor. Put car on jack stands and use a second hydraulic jack under the lower wishbone.

agreed on this method, takes very little time/effort and no fiddling with a more dangerous spring compressor.

Make sure you unbolt the shock first just to get the extended travel, mine was only compressed an inch or two.

**Imndeep** · 11-09-2009, 10:41 PM

Steffan, you are the Man! If I ever get to Dallas I am most definately buying you a beer! I tried an inner spring compressor my neighbor has for his Mustang and the ID was too small for the tool, And the outer compressors are just too big for the rears, so I figured there had to be another way. Thank you Steffan!

**TxGR8White** · 11-09-2009, 11:14 PM

Should take less than 5 minutes per side

**8eights** · 11-09-2009, 11:53 PM

5 minutes per side, That will take beer!--)

**thelostmachine** · 11-10-2009, 06:31 AM

whatcha gonna do with the ones you are removing

stock ?

**Imndeep** · 11-10-2009, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by thelostmachine

whatcha gonna do with the ones you are removing

stock ?

Well, according to all the fine work Auraraptor provided I think I'll remove 1/2 of a coil then reinstall them. The rule is to remove 1/2 to 3/4 coil from the stock spring for the proper stance and balance between H&R's up front. I'm being cautious because you can always remove more, but if you cut too much....Time for new springs.

**8eights** · 11-10-2009, 11:26 AM

You want 3/4 turn, Half want get you there, That will also give your rear coils the strength equal to eibach rears.

**TxGR8White** · 11-10-2009, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by 8eights

You want 3/4 turn, Half want get you there, That will also give your rear coils the strength equal to eibach rears.

not quite, the EIBACH rears are stiffer.

**8eights** · 11-10-2009, 01:59 PM

Ed's measuring put cut stock rears right there with Eibachs? I have Eibachs and there comfortable in the rear, Not stiff imo like my other car with Csi's...

**Lachlan** · 11-21-2009, 11:26 AM

Pardon my ignorance, but which is the eccentric bolt?

**8eights** · 11-21-2009, 11:39 AM

There's a few of them, That bolt going through the bottom rear shock would probably be what your looking for, Bolts that go through the bushings.

**rcrad6653** · 11-21-2009, 11:39 AM

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...98&hg=33&fg=30

#3

Also read the proceedure from Ed (Mwrench)

http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/bmw...7333527-1.html

**Lachlan** · 11-21-2009, 11:41 AM

So #3 is what I would unbolt, not #26? I already unbolted the shocks, but that doesn't give me enough travel.

**8eights** · 11-21-2009, 11:43 AM

+1
Bolts that usually go through bushings. When you drop the bolt going through the bottom of the shock, You will have plenty of room.

**Imndeep** · 11-21-2009, 01:18 PM

Lachlan, Thanks for asking. I haven't tried mine yet as I been sick for the last couple of weeks. I felt kinda ignorant myself, so much to learn on the 8.

**Lachlan** · 11-21-2009, 01:29 PM

NP, and thanks to they folks who responded. I'm used to wrenching on Subarus, which have four corners of inverted mcpherson struts and the eccentric bolts right there on the strut. I was going to pull #26, so I'm glad I asked first.