How can I change the coil spring of my car's suspension?

Question

Hello,

I've got a Vauxhall Astra 3-door hatchback. I am going to change the rear passenger side suspension coil spring as it is broken.

I would like to know that if it is possible to do it by myself? what kind of tools will I need?

Thank you.

Answer 1

this is one the easiest diy fixes on an astra,
all you need to do is jack up your car,
put axle stands under the body (not the rear cross beam)
take off the wheels,
disconnect both the rear shock from the bottom,
placing a jack under the beam to slowly lower it,
then push down the rear beam and your springs will just pop out!
it's also recommended that BOTH rear spring are replaced or one side will be weaker than the other and you will have to do it all over agian!
hope this helps?

Answer 2

Hmm, never heard of that brand of car before - you must not be in the USA. But all coil springs are the same. You will need a spring compressor. I wouldn't do this myself, it can be a bit dangerous if you make a mistake and let that big spring loose by accident. Besides, the tools you need to buy will cost more than it would cost to pay someone to do this. Also, if you replace a spring on one side of the rear, you need to replace the spring on the other side of the rear or the car will sit unlevel and handle a bit unruly.

Answer 3

Tylermart is absolutely right, if as your question says, you are changing the REAR coil-springs, the other people are talking about the dangers of changing the FRONT coil-springs, that can be dangerous and needs professional help and tools, just one comment on the advise from Tylermart, put the jack under the rear beam and support it before disconnecting the shock-absorbers, apart from that his advise is fine.

Answer 4

DON'T DO IT!!! Springs are not to be played with, they are what holds your car up and are under enormous pressure when the car's weight is applied. If you are keen (or foolish) enough you will need a spring compressor which can be brought from most places selling car parts. Be careful though if you make a mistake when taking it out and the compressor fails i wouldn't want to be in the way!! You'd be better off letting the professionals handle this and replace both rear springs at once to even out the ride

Answer 5

No special tools required.just two good jacks.Jack up the car and remove road wheelPut blocks under rear sillfor safety.Put jack under the rear axle and just support the weight.Remove rear shocker lower bolt.Lower axle an spring will fall out.Put new spring in place,jack up axle.Fit lowershocker bolt fit wheel,job done

Answer 6

You will need a spring compressor at minimum and the necessary spanners, however you really should change both springs at the same time as changing only one will alter the car's handling and may make it dangerous. I would suggest as others have done, take it to someone who works on these things for a living.

Answer 7

Dont try it babe. You need specialist equipment to do it with and you should get a qualified person to do it. Do you realize what these suspension springs take. Try it if you like but I bet you have broken fingers etc.. Good luck with it. tylermart may think he is clever but he has never done it on his own. because you cant.

Answer 8

Try buying roadmaster active suspension from US

Answer 9

you have to have
1. spring compessurs
2. a good socket set
3. jack good one not one for the car!
a book haynes one
and you can not replace 1 spring you have to do the pair as it will throw out the rear suspention!
if your doing the springs i would do the shocks to

Answer 10

If you have to ask how to do it, take it somewhere that knows how.

If a compressed coil spring should happen to spring it could take your head off.