suspension removal

[96DsmTunr]

Hey. So my car has been sitting in my driveway for a few weeks already and it wont be moving anytime soon because the struts are bad. I was wondering how do I take the suspension off? I can't afford to buy another right now but Tein said they can repair them but they say it takes 4-6 weeks. So how can I remove the coilovers and do I need to keep my car on blocks if I do this?

 

[tbonitz301]

If you want to take the suspension off you need to jack up the car so that the wheels are barely on the ground then take the tire off, you will need to remove the three strut tower nuts under the hood, i believe they are 14mm. Next i would remove the sway bar nut in the wheelwell, it is also 14mm. Next take the 17mm bolt out of your lower strut assembly. They can be a pain so have some patienceOk, now take the nut off of the part of the strut that connects to the lateral arm. I believe it is also 17mm. After you have done this you can drop the lower piece down off of the strut, and then remove the strut. I have always takin my brakes and rotors off while doing this. DO NOT try to disassemble the strut assembly without a spring compressor. Pretty simple if you think it through. Feel free to add some things in guys.

 

[GofaST4life]

i have a similar problem, i have coilovers that im going to be putting on because the previous owner heated and hacked the stock springs...this will be my first time doing suspension work...so all the advice is greatly appreciated...

im also using the Haynes Manual as a guide...

 

[vancitydsm]

I think you might need to remove the drive shaft, not too sure.. If you take out your struts yes, your car should be on blocks cause if its not the body will rest on the tire. IFFF there is not tension on the spring then you can take them apart.. if there is tension on the spring DO NO OPEN THE NUT ON THE TOP OF THE STRUT.. Well there is a way you can actually, you can sit the car on the ground and open the nut holding the shock to the upper strut bushing and slowly lift up the car.. all the springs tension will be gone. 3 14mm nuts on top of strut tower, 17 mm nut and bolt holding the strut to the lower control arm. I don't remember if the sway bar link was on the strut or not if it is its a 14mm or 17mm. Im pretty sure you will need to remove the drive shaft at which point you will need a 22 or 24mm wrench for the ball joint nut and compression arm nut, a hammer to whack at the arm with as well.

 

[vaboys2ndgen]

2nd post is very good description of the basics, def make sure you have a spring compressor you can rent them at advance auto or stores like that.

 

[96DsmTunr]

if i keep the coilover together do I still need the spring compressor?

 

[DGajre777]

Check out www.vfaq.com for detailed instructions. You'll probably need a breaker bar and a can of PB Blaster to get the rusted/stuck bolts off.