MotoCARR

In the Miata circles this seems to be the common way of changing springs where no compressor is needed. Essentially you put a jack under the suspension to compress the spring, loosen the top retaining nuts, lower the jack and remove the spring.

Is there enough travel for this to work on Honda/Acuras?(Specifically EG :-) )

Tyson

you only need a compressor to remove STOCK springs (and put them back on). and particularly only the front springs. the reason is because they are so highly preloaded, if you released the spring while the shock assembly is still in the fork, it will run out of length to fully extend and remove safely. then you have the issue of trying to even put it back together to get it out the right way, which is not possible without disassembling other parts of the suspension.

(and honestly, just removing the stock spring from the shock is not horribly dangerous if you just point it at a wall. ive done it several times.)

at least on an EF, the rear stock springs dont need a compressor because the spring barely has any preload, when you unthread the nut, it will barely give a "pop" at the end of the thread.

if youre dealing with aftermarket or coilover springs, its a non issue. aftermarket springs are shortened that there is little to no preload.

MotoCARR

Understood, I was referring to stock springs. On Miatas there is enough downward travel to remove the stock spring without the need for a compressor using this method.

STOCK_SOHC_DX

What Tyson was saying that you could do it with the method you're referring to if you're just removing, but installing a stock spring now that's a whole different ball game. It's easier to shoot the shock towards a wall imo

Tyson

no, you cant.

aw614

Yeah for the stock EG/non ITR integra springs its easier to shoot it at the wall, that is what I ended up doing...

The ITR springs are easy to assemble to take apart without a spring compressor...

B serious

iTrader: (1)

You can unbolt the REAR LCA completely from the chassis and sway bar. Leave the shock bolt attached. After doing that...if you have a jack, you have a spring compressor.

The front is tricky...but yes, you can use a jack for a spring compressor if you remove the shock fork. It's EXTREMELY ghetto. You have to use your own creativity and be careful. I've done it a bunch of times...but I hated it.

I have a hydraulic, floor mounted spring compressor now.

More or less...if you have to ask on the internet, you're probably going to lose your face or genitals in the process.

spAdam

iTrader: (1)

Ehh, I've been using the projectile method literally for decades now. I put my 3/8" impact gun between the wall and the top hat and throw a heavy moving blanket over the whole operation to keep everything contained. 3-4 quick blasts and the whole thing comes apart with zero drama.

I can't actually recommend the method since I can't account for the IQ of other people and/or the care they're willing to use, but I've done it that way at least 50-60 times at this point with no problems.

I've so used the reverse of the Jack method to install springs on short stroke shocks (preloaded)... That is some sketchy business and I definitely recommend avoiding.

B serious

iTrader: (1)

My post was more for reinstalling springs.

If I'm taking springs off, I do the rear LCA removal thing...and I just blast the front ones off into the wheel well. I just make sure my face and genitals are out of harms way.

KoRn_vIRuZ

Are spring compressors really so expensive in the US that such antics are justified? I bought some for 20€...

hondamark35

from my experience with EJ6 suspension:

Stock springs on front: not a chance. run out of travel before the load is off.
Stock springs on back: it's close, but you may get lucky.
Lowering springs (Tein S.Tech, eBay specials, Eibach Pro): "Miata" method will work.

Tyson

MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor Set

no not at all.

but you really only need them when installing a stock front spring back on.

ive found that trying to use these is actually more unsafe because of the loads and twisting that occur.

spAdam

iTrader: (1)

^ That. They walk around the springs. Only upside is that you can borrow them for free from the parts store.

Or they just don't fit between the coils well enough to be useful. The wall mount ones are great if you have the space and/or need one often enough to justify it. I don't really care if I ever cross paths with the screw and hook type ever again though.

B serious

iTrader: (1)

The screw and hook ones are SO dangerous.