Front springs - again

[Avulon]

Got both struts back on the car now, had to call Phil to check which way the drop links connected (the bottom ball joint points it's threaded bit forward). But otherwise went together without too much trouble, tightened everything up and put some wheels on.

Of course having knackered one of the front tyres I'm glad I kept the 15" wheels that the meteors replaced so set about putting all 4 of those on. Got to the last wheel (r/os) and loosened 4 of the bolts, would the fifth move? NO, right find a 17mm socket, only in 3/8" drive tried it with the t-bar but thats bending so put the sturdy ratchet on and use a large spanner to extend it; and crunch there goes my ratchet. Lucky I've got a branch of Lodge tyres just up the road so nipped up there with three 15" wheels and one 17" wheel on and humbly asks if he's got a 17mm 1/2" drive socket I can borrow: he came and loosened it for me: good man. Back home and put the remaining wheel on.

Feels smoother that it did before the spring broke which I'm putting down to the top bearings much quieter and no knocking noises over bumps. I'll get the alignment checked next Saturday (back at Lodge) just to be sure, seeing as the whole front suspension has been disturbed.

Went to the Halfords to replace my broken ratchet, found a 20 pc set with good ratchet for the same price as the ratchet on its own! £19.99, celebrated by buying a set of 1/2" drive impact sockets to make sure I'm fully kitted for any stubborn bolts/nuts in the future.

[chas_1]

if u need a hand pm me im in Little Billing (well Bellinge actually)

Chas

[Avulon]

Originally Posted by chas_1

if u need a hand pm me im in Little Billing (well Bellinge actually)

Chas

Thanks Chas, all sorted now though.

[bluesprint]

Originally Posted by Avulon

Quick update, one strut rebuilt with new spring and top bearing, second strut now dismantled, me... knackered. Even with the 'good' claw type spring compressors it takes quite some effort to get the spring down to a short enough length, and straight, to take the top nut on - especially when you have to give up, unwind it all to reposition the compressors and start again.

Hopefully get the second one together tomorrow, whether or not I'll get the car back together before Saturday remains to be seen.

Oh Yes, I fully agree.....struggled all day Friday with my broken spring, combination of tools not being where I left them, a broken socket, trip to the local shop to buy a new longer breaker bar and socket, another trip back to the same shop to but spring compressors because I couldnt find my old ones...but at least all the time back and forth gave it a chance for the penetrating oil to work on the pinch bolt !
The problem I found was that the spring compressors were maybe too short? As I compress the spring, it seems to distort in shape, no amount of effort would persuade the spring to fit onto the mount. I tried all combinations of repostioning the compressors, turning each side in turn, still no joy. Wondered if 3 compressors would be the answer?
Being tired after working a night shift doesnt help....tried again yesterday until the rain came..... give up, just ordered a "long pair of compressors" to try again next week. The joys of motoering!

[Avulon]

I found the positioning of the compressors to be critical. What worked for me was this. Place the spring upright attach one compressor each side, the bottom claw being the threaded one (so your spanners/ratchets attach at the top). The first compressor bottom claw I positioned just about a quarter inch up from the top of the spring isolator, it's top hook attaches to on the next but one coil up. The second compressor attaches the bottom claw 180 degrees around the spring, again the top claw attaches on the next but one coil up. tighten the screws (by hand) until a slight spring resistance is felt on each side. Here's a good image showing how they are offset from each other


I should note that, as you can see only one coil gap is common to both compressors, this will be almost completely closed to enable the strut to be assembled.

What's not shown is that they will not be parallel to each other, due to slope of the coils one leans one way and one the other, the tricky bit is lining them up each side of the spring for an even compression: this wouldn't be difficult if they weren't offset (they'd just cross in the middle), but as they are try to judge so that the pull will be even. now start tightening them, I found using two 1/2" drive ratchets the best taking turns to tighten each side the same amount. Keep checking the spring for straightness and if it starts going off adjust the compressors until it's straight before carrying on, when you get to half-way test fit the strut and make sure it's close to a straight fit with the top isolator and plate in place. Continue compressing the spring having a test every 1/2" or so until the compressor jaws are nearly touching: at which stage you should be able to fit the top isolator and plate (with new top bearing in place) and have plenty of thread to fit the top washer and nut. Tighten the nut all the way down before releasing the compressors.

P.S lubricate the threads on the compressors for an easier time on your arms.

[klarzy]

Thanks for some great info...
The only part I would differ on opinion is the orientation of the bolt top on the compressors.
I would always have mine at the bottom so when on the strut and you are joggling the compression to get final alignment if the compressors did let go your hands (and head) are at the end of the spring which is likely to move the least.

[ajo1979]

Must be something in the air, mine went this morning, was a real struggle getting it onto the tow truck. Popped the tyre, didn't sound or look pretty either. Just had an MOT the day before!

[FlashHarry]

Just driving down the road today at 35mph and BANG! ABS light came on and smell of rubber. It was nearside front spring that had gone. I avoid/go slow on speed ramps and try to avoid all potholes. Done 108,000 miles. RAC man said they get loads of spring failures, on every make of car. Got decent spring compressors that I used 4/5 years ago on my Land Rover Discovery so should be up to the job. Best go and get the wheel off and see what other damage there is.

[DMGRS]

Unfortunately on the 75 it's pretty common - I've had 3 go on me so far!
It's usually just down to metal fatigue (or in some cases corrosion) - make sure you fit the 'spring protectors' if you don't already have them.

[Dorset Bob]

Originally Posted by DMGRS

Unfortunately on the 75 it's pretty common - I've had 3 go on me so far!
It's usually just down to metal fatigue (or in some cases corrosion) - make sure you fit the 'spring protectors' if you don't already have them.

I have just had four fitted on mine after a nearside front failure and a previous offside rear failure.
Looking at the service history it is not the first time that the car (74,000 miles) has had them fitted.

There is an interesting report from the AA here
The point is that corrosion can cause stress raisers and hydrogen embrittlement.
It appears to be an ever increasing problem, not unique to our cars, not helped by the increased loads, with modern tyres etc.