Rear Spring removal

[Neil]

Hi, I have just bought a spare pair of rear springs for my S2 coupe, which look more presentable than my original springs and been de-rusted/cleaned and have new rear bushes fitted. I am now considering whether to fit them or not, this would be an ideal time to do so, the rear of the car is pretty much dismantled, except the rear springs on which the car is currently sitting, on large wooden blocks and axle stands. Please can you recommend the best method to remove them and where to support the body whilst it is in progress.

Neil

[P. de R. Leclercq]

SUpport the car on stands placed at the end of the sills - where what Lancia laughingly described as a jacking point is usually found...

The axle can then be controlled on a jack.
Paul

[Huib]

I use a long piece of M20 thread with nut, washer and bush between the ends of the spring to stretch the spring for easy removal and mounting.

Put the new spring on with all bolts still loose
When torquing the bolts through the silentblocs of spring, anti roll bar, Panhard rod and shokabsorbers the spring has to be in the position specified in the Data Tecnici. Failure to do so will result in torn rubbers.

To get the spring in that position you have to load quite a few cilinder blocks in the boot. If your car is structurally sound it helps to put axle stands under the front member of the subframe. The engine is then no longer counterweight but has become weight.