Rear Coil Over Spring

[Philpatton]

Folks,
I've just have the wheels on my Z3 rebalanced due to a vibration issue and as we took the rear wheel off, we noticed that the rear coil spring had snapped. From the amount of corrosion around the spring, it happened a long time ago, but it still managed to get a full MOT a few weeks ago. Just saying..........
I've had a quote of £107 inc VAT to change the spring, but I'm curious as to how difficult it is to change the spring myself. Part of the reason of getting this car was that it seems to lend itself to DIY Mechanics.
The issue is that I am a complete amateur at this, but I'm a willing learner.
Is it difficult to do? Could I tackle this myself with some help form you guys / girls?
The spring has snapped at the bottom, so it is still retained in the holder.
Are there any helpful hints and tips?

 

[t-tony]

Hi Phil, springs don't come much easier to change than a Z3 rear one.
You need to raise and support the rear of the car (raising both sides makes it easier by eliminating the anti rollbar's effect). You need to remove the wheel, place a trolley Jack under the suspension arm and take a little weight then remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt. Lower the Jack and remove the spring. You may need to push down on the hub to give enough clearance (leaving the hand brake on stops the hub spinning as you push down). Reverse procedure to refit the new spring.
Where are you located by the way?

Tony.

 

[Philpatton]

Thanks for the prompt reply Tony. I'm based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
When the spring is removed, is it straightforward to get the new spring back in? I'm thinking I need coil compressors to get it back into place.
P

 

[t-tony]

Hi Phil, no you don't need compressors to do rear springs because you can push the suspension arm down to give the space you need.
As you are close to the ZedShed (Midlands) you could come over and get it done when I'm back from my holidays. It won't hurt to leave it as is it cannot "go anywhere" also @Paul Rice will be coming over from Donny so you could come over with him.

Tony.

 

[Philpatton]

That’s great! I really want to do this myself. Where is the Midlands zedshed?

 

[t-tony]

I'm at Torksey near Lincoln mate and you will be able to do it yourself just under a little supervision. . The best way to learn IMHO.

Tony.

ps. I have all the tools required you just need to get the spring(s).

 

[Jack Ratt]

Nice one Tony

 

[Philpatton]

Massive thanks. I might bring my little boy as I want him to get involved with this type of thing. Much better than playing with iPads!
When suits you?

P

 

[Aceman]

@Philpatton when you say “coil over” are you definitely referring to the rear wheel suspension or the front wheel suspension as coil over usually refers to when the coil springs fit over the shock absorbers as with the front wheel suspension macpherson struts?

As Tony describes the rear springs are separate to the shock absorbers hence just about the easiest to change on any car but the fronts are somewhat more difficult requiring more specialist tools.

 

[DrWong]

Biggup the Donny massive (parents live in Balby)

I’m a novice and did my fronts recently - Z3s are a joy to learn spannering on. Stick wi @t-tony and he’ll see thee right

 

[Philpatton]

It’s definitely the rear springs. I might have got the terminology wrong. Opps.

 

[t-tony]

Massive thanks. I might bring my little boy as I want him to get involved with this type of thing. Much better than playing with iPads!
When suits you?

P

Will be 4-5 weeks Phil, when I get back and you would be welcome to bring your lad.

Tony.

 

[Paul Rice]

That’s great! I really want to do this myself. Where is the Midlands zedshed?

Midlands Zed shed is a great place to do the work knowing you wont get stuck. Good to have another Donny zed on board, not a mechanic but always happy to help if i can being just down the road