bobsalas
Samba Member
Joined: September 03, 2008
Posts: 7
Location: Albany, Oregon
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 Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:27 am Post subject: replacing coil spings |
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The previous owner of my 72 SB lowered the fornt end aobut 2.5 inches by cutting 2.5 inches off the coil springs.
As a result the top of the coil does not touch the top part of the strut. This results in a very rough ride and when I roll over even the smallest bump in the road the front end slams onto the strut very hard and very loud.
It looks good at rest, but not fun or safe on the road.
Question. Can this be fixed by simply replacing the coil? Someone suggested that the strut may have been pried open to remove and replace the coil. I have to think coils can be removed and replaced without damaging the strut.
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Bob
72 Super VW |
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dan macmillan
Samba Member
Joined: October 19, 2003
Posts: 3110
Location: Northern Ontario, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:52 am Post subject: Re: replacing coil spings |
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| bobsalas wrote: |
The previous owner of my 72 SB lowered the fornt end aobut 2.5 inches by cutting 2.5 inches off the coil springs.
As a result the top of the coil does not touch the top part of the strut. This results in a very rough ride and when I roll over even the smallest bump in the road the front end slams onto the strut very hard and very loud.
It looks good at rest, but not fun or safe on the road.
Question. Can this be fixed by simply replacing the coil? Someone suggested that the strut may have been pried open to remove and replace the coil. I have to think coils can be removed and replaced without damaging the strut. |
Since your coils do not reach the upper mount there is no pressure you have to worry about.
The strut does not have to be opened to replace the coil. You remove the upper nut on the strut mount and remove the mount, then remove the nut on the upper spring saddle, remove the saddle and the coil. Reassemble is a little more difficult as you will have to compress the spring a bit to get the saddle and nut on. It is not much and can be done by hand with a helper installing the nut. Once tight, the upper mount and nut are reinstalled.
On a side note you should check your upper mounts and the inner fenders for damage. Since your coils do not touch the upper mounts they are NOT supporting the car and you have no suspension travel. This results in all of the impact force from the road being transfered to the inner fenders and upper mounts. You should also check for damaged bushings and balljoints in the front end. Also turn the strut shafts to check for bent struts and push the shafts in and out of the strut body. You should feel resistance. If none is felt you will need new strut cartriges.
When you get it all back together spend the extra dollars and have it properly aligned. It is well worth it in handling and the cost savings due to exessive tire wear. If at a later date you choose to lower it properly you will need another alignment.
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66 Modified Manx,68 Kyote,74 Thing,74 Beetle, 76 Transporter,75 self made Double Cab,65 Meyers Manx,78Westy,68 Ghia, 79 Bradley GT2
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Built for others:69 Manx Clone |
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