Coil Spring Replacement: Decompressing the Coil Spring

When coil springs wear out, coil spring replacement is needed in order for the vehicle to be able to stay safe for you to operate. On most cars these days, coil springs can be found at the front end. Compared with leaf springs, coil springs are actually more durable. However, coil springs do not offer a smooth ride as leaf springs do. Coil springs can sometimes be replaced just to give your vehicle better control when the load being carried is heavy. The tools needed and a step-by-step guide for the job is listed below.

Step 1 – Jack Up Vehicle

Park the vehicle on level ground. Jack up the vehicle until the lowest available stands can be placed under it. You do not want the tires too far off the ground. For the wheels at the opposite side that are still on the ground, place blocks around them. Let down the car on stands. Leave the jack in place.

Step 2 – Loosen the Bolts

Use a wrench or a ratchet to loosen the two to four bolts at the bottom and top of every coil spring. Take note not to take out the bolts at this time. The spring has tension and having the bolts removed can result in the coil spring to come loose. This can cause hurt to you and/or damage to the vehicle.

Step 3 – Raising the Jack while Checking Coil Springs

Raise the vehicle just sufficient to take pressure off the springs. If the springs begin to extend, you will know they are not holding any weight up anymore. The last thing you want is the springs to extend fully because they will recoil when you have the bolts removed. Let down the jack until the coil springs are no longer compressed or extended.

Step 4 – Remove Bolts from Coil Springs

Below the vehicle, have the lower bolts removed. The spring may recoil a little. Top bolts are still in place. Once you remove the bolts and lower bracket, remove the top bolts too. You should be able to have the spring slide up and slide down from the vehicle. Have one spring removed and replace the spring before going to another spring.

Step 5 – Slide New Spring to its Place

When the old spring is off, you will now be able to have the new one slide right in its own place. If the new spring is heavier, jack up the car a little more. When the new spring is set in place, put the bolts and brackets back on. Do take note not to tighten them all the way. Repeat this with your lower bolts. Tighten the bolts when everything is in place to secure the spring to your vehicle. When new springs are finished, raise up the jack. Take away the stands.