Do you have to compress the spring?

My135 · 03-21-2011, 03:43 PM

Do you have to compress the spring to remove the front strut assembly? Most DIY say yes, but on my other car, I don't have to remove the spring during the removal process. Thanks.

1SerieStud · 03-21-2011, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My135

Do you have to compress the spring to remove the front strut assembly? Most DIY say yes, but on my other car, I don't have to remove the spring during the removal process. Thanks.

ABSOLUTELY lol ...I can't emphasize this enough...space is tight down there!

Xaeryan · 03-21-2011, 04:59 PM

The other method which I used is to disconnect the lower control arm (maybe the tension arm too, can't quite remember). Have a bud handy to hold the hub assembly and play tug of war with it - getting the arms out first, then the strut out.

It's fun! ;-)

Snertz · 03-22-2011, 08:29 PM

+1 on needing them, definitely not enough space without either compressing it or tearing apart the rest of the suspension to get the clearance.

Little1er · 03-25-2011, 11:40 AM

Yes. They do need to be compressed. After you spend about 3 or 4 hours figuring out one side, you can do the other in less than 1. This was a frustrating DIY, but enjoyable once you get into it.

03-21-2011, 03:43 PM	#1
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	Do you have to compress the spring? Do you have to compress the spring to remove the front strut assembly? Most DIY say yes, but on my other car, I don't have to remove the spring during the removal process. Thanks. __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
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03-21-2011, 04:59 PM	#3
Xaeryan Lieutenant 38 Rep 566 Posts Drives: Sideways mostly Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hazleton, PA iTrader: (4)	The other method which I used is to disconnect the lower control arm (maybe the tension arm too, can't quite remember). Have a bud handy to hold the hub assembly and play tug of war with it - getting the arms out first, then the strut out. It's fun! ;-) __________________ 2014 SCCA Solo - Modifications by Class listing
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03-22-2011, 08:29 PM	#4
Snertz H O O N 86 Rep 694 Posts Drives: ein M! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (9)	+1 on needing them, definitely not enough space without either compressing it or tearing apart the rest of the suspension to get the clearance. __________________ U WOT M8?
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03-25-2011, 11:40 AM	#5
Little1er Private First Class 35 Rep 196 Posts Drives: '08 BMW 135i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Moraga, CA iTrader: (1)	Yes. They do need to be compressed. After you spend about 3 or 4 hours figuring out one side, you can do the other in less than 1. This was a frustrating DIY, but enjoyable once you get into it.
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