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Rear Spring Install Update Posted by SLAAB [Email]  (#1275) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from SLAAB) on Tue, 19 Aug 2003 21:19:32
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This is an update to my DIY efforts in upgrading the rear springs from stock to B+G. Also installing Bilstein HD shocks at the same time.
Based on the posts on this board claiming a 1/2 hour job to replace the rear springs, I decided to give it a try. Three days later, here is my update.
Day One
Jacked up the saab onto jackstands on rear jack points in the driveway. Took off rear wheels.
First mistake: didn't open shock turret cutouts in trunk before jacking car. Ended up climbing into trunk while on jackstands to open cutouts.
Undid left top strut. Use 2 adjustable wrenches: One to hold the threads in place, the other to release locknut. Got underneath car and undid bolt holding lower strut in place. Used ratchet handle to knock strut out.
Second mistake: Undid right top strut. Freakin axel fell away. Note to self: put jackstands under axel before attempting this ever again. Luckily didn't tear out any brake lines or ABS hoses.
Undid bolt holding lower right strut. Used ratchet handle to knock strut out.
First smart move: used some paint on bump stop to align with spring mount cutout. With axel hanging down, springs easy to remove w/o needing a compressor (returned spring compressor borrowed from Autozone - thank god for the tool loaner program).
Next 2 hours spent trying to pull the bump stop out of old spring. Its in there very tight. The last coil of the spring wraps around this notch in the bump stop. What finally works is using some astroglide (figured it wouldn't hurt the rubber). Rotate coil around bump stop to work astroglide inbetween coil and bump stop. Put spring on workbench, lean forward to trap spring between gut and bench and pull on the bump stop base to remove. Growing dark, car still on jackstands, tired, went to sleep.
Day Two:
With newfound wisdom came home at lunch and quickly (ie. 20 minutes) pulled bump stop off other spring. Lubed up with astroglide, tried to install it into shiny new red B+G spring. F**ker wouldn't fit. Called friends for advice. Called dealer mechanic. Posted question on this board. Went back to work p**sed off.
Came home after work and checked my messages. Everyone tells me to use lube. Oh yah, and the dealer tells me not to come down as they do not like doing this kind of work. I try more astroglide (the gf will be p**sed), dish detergent, bar soap. Arrgh!!!!! Nothing works! Arms now sore from pushing on the g***amn evil rubber swedish bu*t pl*g.
Day Three:
Did I mention that the car has been up on jackstands on my driveway for three days now? And yes, its been raining. My rear rotors have now rusted to the color of red Georgia clay. Got home from work and resumed pushing down on well lubed rubber bump stop. Finally got one in. Here's how: The B&G end coil has the end of the wire raised relative to the other coils. Use the end to cup the bump stop. While pushing down on the bump stop, turn it clockwise to work the other end of the bump stop down into the spring. Once its started, its pretty easy using astroglide to worm the stop the rest of the way down. The other spring was a 10 minute job after that.
Tomorrow I'm going to put the springs and shocks in the car during lunch hour.
PS. Changing rear springs a 1/2 hour DIY job? Yah sure. Come visit me, I do nice dental work with my 6 iron.
posted by 65.32.15...
, Tue, 19 Aug 2003 21:19:32 <-- Viewing This Message
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