Suspension Coil Springs Removal

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
2

Should have read the technical data for the above repair in more depth BIG MISTAKE YES it is EASIER and SAFER with two persons as stated in the technical section for this repair.

I had changed the shocker bump stops on the rear and left side front no problems all went to plan on the right side front UNTIL while forcing the lower suspension arm down with a bar and my right leg trying to free the bottom of the shocker from its mounting with a screw driver one of the coil spring compression clamps decided to let go I don’t know if it was an act of god or just luck but it missed me.

There were a few worrying moments until I managed to install the clamp and compress the spring again good to say we are back on the road again no damage to my car or my face.

Stokey

 

 

 

3

Dont think you should be compressing the springs whils shock is still in the car ??? Removal of complete unit is safer and then clamp whilst shocks are in the vice or on the ground!!

4

I agree. It’s very simple to undo the top mount and remove the entire coilover unit then disassemble off the car. And a lot safer.

5

Definately remove complete good assembly then fit spring compressors and undo/remove centre nut/top mount. Sounds like you had a lucky escape.

6

[Yes always remove the whole unit. If you can’t get the unit out by standing on the hub, undo the anti roll bar link. This nomally helps

7

Thanks for the useful advice in these posts. I have just purchased  set of 30mm lowering springs from MX5 Parts for a very reasonable £125, they have a sale on, and will be fitting them soon. I have done this mod in the past on other cars but never on an MX. Looks fairly straightforward, but are there any pitfalls or problems I should be on the look out for?. Thanks.

8

Is the method that you used described on this forum? If so, please could you post a link to where you found it?

 

 

9

This always works for me to push down the rear upper wishbone in a controlled manner.

10

Robbie this is the guide I used on mine the other day http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/default.aspx?g=posts&t=242 it does say to compress the spring in situ.

11

 

Compressing the spring in situ is something I’ve done before, when swapping out standard shocks and springs. I believe the San Dieo Miata Club first came up with this method. The issue is the front springs, because there isn’t a lot of clearance. But then I discovered the long bolt method (releasing the long bolt on the front upper wishbones, which makes remove of the front shocks unbelieveably easy ( timed it, admittedly with pre-free’d off nuts and  bolts; 5 minutes a corner to remove the shock and spring). From memory; release the ARB links, undo the front ARB mounts, remove lower shock bolt (using jack under wishbone to take the presure off the bolt), undo and withdraw long bolt. The wishbones drop down, leaving the shock/spring assembly dangling. Removing the long bolt is the fiddliest bit, because the ARB bolts foul up its exit.