Removing Rear Springs...

[leeds2592]

...how the flip do I do it? And do I need a spring compressor?

Ive been trying to adjust my rear AP coilovers but the adjusters are stuck and everything is rotating when using the c spanner. I've tried everything including putting a jack under the spring to put pressure on the top thread but still no luck.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[XFi]

If it's the same as an S3 then it is simples! One bolt which has a 18mm head and nut which allows the rear swing arm to drop. It's the rear bolt behind the hub. The spring sits in the swing arm so you should be able to tell which bolt it is. Spring compressor not needed but it may be different for coilovers.

 

[dantdi]

Yep, really easy!
My A3 sline 07 fail its MOT 2weeks ago on rear spring being broke.
I had the wheel off then just one bolt. As already been said.
Mine was a standard spring tho. Done it on my drive with Jack and axle stand.

 

[leeds2592]

Cheers for the replies lads. My car's currently getting some paint work done, but will have it back tomorrow so can crack on with it after work. The bolt you mention, I take it it's the one to the bottom right of this photo I nicked from Google?

Thanks

 

[XFi]

That's the one.

 

[leeds2592]

That's the one.

Spot on, thanks very much :thumbsup:

 

[chris.vincent3]

When I removed the spring from my car I had to use spring compressors as soon as you removed that bolt the swing arm comes down at a bit of force if you're not careful. Putting the new spring in is easy, place it in the swing arm and with a jack raise the swing arm up to get the bolt in.

 

[leeds2592]

When I removed the spring from my car I had to use spring compressors as soon as you removed that bolt the swing arm comes down at a bit of force if you're not careful. Putting the new spring in is easy, place it in the swing arm and with a jack raise the swing arm up to get the bolt in.

Was thinking about sticking a jack under the lower arm, undoing the bolt and than lowering it slowly. Reckon this would work?

 

[chris.vincent3]

Was thinking about sticking a jack under the lower arm, undoing the bolt and than lowering it slowly. Reckon this would work?

thats how I done it mate

 

[leeds2592]

Right, a couple of weeks ago I attempted this but ran into a little problem. The bolt in question wouldn't shift at all. I tried for over an hour on each side before giving up.

Mines a lot more rusted than the one above. Anybody had the same problem? Or have any ideas on how to shift it?

 

[XFi]

Get a breaker bar or bar with a socket on the end and shock it with a hammer. Put your back into it and make sure if your putting downward pressure on it have something under the disc to stop the shock absorbing some strength.

 

[Ironborn]

Yeah also plenty of wd-40, I found it easier to remove the other end of the pictured bolt with a 18mm spanner. Remember right-tight left- loose lol

 

[leeds2592]

Get a breaker bar or bar with a socket on the end and shock it with a hammer. Put your back into it and make sure if your putting downward pressure on it have something under the disc to stop the shock absorbing some strength.

Yeah also plenty of wd-40, I found it easier to remove the other end of the pictured bolt with a 18mm spanner. Remember right-tight left- loose lol

I tried both sides and used a ratchet with a socket on the end and smacked it with a hammer, it didn't budge. Slapped aload of WD40 and still no joy, although I didn't have a 18mm socket so was using one slightly too big which didn't help.

Might be a silly question, but do you need a socket/spanner on both sides going opposite directions so it doesn't spin, so to speak, or do I just need it on one side? Going to give it another go this weekend when I get the right socket.

 

[XFi]

I tried both sides and used a ratchet with a socket on the end and smacked it with a hammer, it didn't budge. Slapped aload of WD40 and still no joy, although I didn't have a 18mm socket so was using one slightly too big which didn't help.

Might be a silly question, but do you need a socket/spanner on both sides going opposite directions so it doesn't spin, so to speak, or do I just need it on one side? Going to give it another go this weekend when I get the right socket.

on both side and I wouldn't try anymore without the correct socket. The last thing you want is a knackered bolt that you can't budge!

 

[Graham89]

Try some heat on it providing there's no rubber bushes in the vicinity!!

 

[leeds2592]

Right, so tried this with the proper tools and the ****** thing still won't shift!

It was suggested on another thread to remove the adjuster and drill a hole in the side of the threaded bit at the base so a screwdriver can be held in the hole to prevent it from spinning.

Could this be done whilst it is on the car? If so, that'd make life so much easier.

Thanks

 

[MxGaza33]

I have the AP coilovers on mine and had to drop the springs out to adjust. Just to confirm you should be trying to undo the nut on the other side, not the bolt visable in the picture above.

The swingarm rests on the bolt which will make it more difficult to remove with the tension of the spring on it rather than the nut. I just stuck a spanner on the nut and set about it with a rubber mallet and some penetrating oil! Once the nuts off with the car on axle stands, I used a trolley jack to raise the swingarm to take the pressure off the bolt, remove it, then lower the jack.

 

[leeds2592]

I have the AP coilovers on mine and had to drop the springs out to adjust. Just to confirm you should be trying to undo the nut on the other side, not the bolt visable in the picture above.

The swingarm rests on the bolt which will make it more difficult to remove with the tension of the spring on it rather than the nut. I just stuck a spanner on the nut and set about it with a rubber mallet and some penetrating oil! Once the nuts off with the car on axle stands, I used a trolley jack to raise the swingarm to take the pressure off the bolt, remove it, then lower the jack.

As said, I've tried this, given it a smack with a mallet and still won't shift.

I just thought a hole in the black adjuster plate is a good idea and would save me faffing around in future taking the spring out etc. Can't see why it would be a problem to do it whilst on the car but just wanted to make sure.