Springs in without compressors?

[Duncodin]

I remember years ago with my 318i I took the back springs out and put new ones in just by undoing the shock and lowering till the spring, basically, fell out.

Tried the same on my z3 but it was having non of it. I had to use compressors.

Anyway. Looking to put the springs back in now and was wondering. If I undo the shock AND lower the rear beam a few inches will I get the spring back in without compressors?

 

[t-tony]

You don't need to lower the beam. It's the a/roll bar that is the problem.
You can put weight on the hub (make sure the hand brake is on though) and be careful.you don't stretch the brake hose.

Tony.

 

[Duncodin]

Anti roll bar is undone. Shock is undone. I couldn't get the spring out without compressors.

 

[Duncodin]

Maybe I didn't put enough weight on the hub. I need to eat more pies. In a good cause you understand.

But anyway. I had the impression the trailing arm was as low as it would go.

 

[t-tony]

We’ve never had to lower a rear beam to change rear springs here at the Shed, but I’m not usually on my own.

Tony.

 

[Pingu]

Did you unbolt the damper?

 

[Duncodin]

Did you unbolt the damper?

As I said. Anti roll bar AND shocks are unbolted. Shock Absorber is what I call a damper. I think?

 

[t-tony]

Shocker/damper same thing. I usually use a wide flat bar to get the spring off the bottom "peg", and to get them back on too. Put the rubber seat into lower spring eye and apply a lubricant to the "peg" on the lower arm.

Tony.

 

[Duncodin]

I'm assuming my problem was, as tony said, putting a little weight onto the hub to gain an extra cm or so. Also nothing has been done there in 25 years so the rubber shims and springs were all stuck tight and didn't want to let go of the car.

I'm sure putting it back together will be easier.

 

[Pingu]

Sorry, I missed the shock / damper bit .

There are several different pads that you can use under the spring. They can be used to adjust the ride height.

 

[Delk]

The rear springs will come out. You need to force the trailing arm down then I had to take a small pry bar and pop the spring over the edge of the cup on the spring arm seat. Going back in is easier and you can just give it a good push and it will pop over the seat.