Hi all,

I'm thinking of doing a coilover install myself. Am I crazy to try? I do not have a spring compressor, and I just have a regular house garage with the average set of tools (the usual hammer, sockets, wrenches, jack, jack stand and the like).

I am looking to replace the stock shocks which had Eibach springs fitted to them with a BC coilover setup. Also, I was looking to do this alone on a quiet weekday (i.e. no help from anyone).

Just curious if doable.

Thanks!

 

If you are some what mechanically inclined I say go for it. I did mine without a spring compressor. My old tein lowering springs were short so they weren't compressed alot but still be careful. If your nervous about it, autozone rents out spring compressor tools.
Good luck I think you'll be fine! You seem to have all the tools you need also

 

In one DIY that I read, they said R56s don't need a spring compressor at all (whilst R53s do), so I am optimistic. I am not a master tech, but at one point in my past junior life I took apart a car post-accident with my father to transfer everything to another body (don't ask..... old country), so I'm okay with wrenches and hammers, but since I have no lift, etc., I wasn't sure if it was doable or not. Guess I'm going to give it a try, worth saving the $500 or so that I suspect a shop would charge for the work

 

Ya I hear you on the shop prices! They can be outrageous. I usually just put my own stuff in. you'll be fine! I did mine one side at a time and that works well.

 

Ya I hear you on the shop prices! They can be outrageous. I usually just put my own stuff in. you'll be fine! I did mine one side at a time and that works well.

 

Where did you purchase your BC Coil-overs from?

 

A guy on this forum actually - why?

 

When folks change out just the springs...is usually when the compressor tool is needed.

...with the coilovers, if they are all together as an assembly there is no need to compress anything.

I just recently installed coilovers (megans) and swaybar myself in my garge with average tools...is easy, just take your time. The thing I hear about that seems to give many folks probs is getting the front strut out of the steering knuckle...you gotta have some PB Blaster & soak that in there to get things loose. Pre-treat with that stuff on ALL the bolts you are gonna be messin' with...and you will avoid many problems

a local friend paid to have same stuff installed locally...charged him $1,200 ..hope they are including the alignment with that!

 

Because I am wanting to purchase BCs. BCRacingSuperStore and enjukuracing.com same people, are on backorder for two weeks, and Import Image Racing claims to have them in stock. I am trying to purchase BCs today. There is someone on the forum selling a used set for $1100.00, but I am not buy a used set no matter how many miles on them when a new set is $999.00.

 

Ok, but don't you need a spring compressor to remove the existing stock OEM springs? How d you get those out?

 

Yup I actually bought those. I spoke with the guy at length and he seemed fairly legitimate and I trust they had the mileage that they did. He included the Swift springs with them (together with the original ones) so I think the deal was fair.

 

Nope.

..I followed write-ups found on this forum.

again...only probs have seen is when folks have trouble getting bottom of front shock body out of knuckle...not because spring compression was needed...but because things got bound up from elements/corrosion...and they hadn't sprayed the lube buster in there. I've just noticed...seems to be the one tool that some don't use...& can really make the diff.

If for some reason..after the orginal shock/coil assembly is out of car...if you want to take the spring off the strut...could use a compressor..but still not completely necessary.

 

You are right but I must clarify what you are saying. The "no compressor needed" is only true for the coilovers that include the upper plates, BC for example. However, coilovers that do not include these, H&R street for example, then you will need a spring compressor as you will be reusing stock top plate.

I've installed coilovers on my past 4 cars and have always done it at home with regular off the shelf tools. I do have a set of spring compressor that are WAY WORTH the 20 $ I paid for.

But be aware that if you are to use spring compressor, you must have access to good quality air tools and compressor. Otherwise, lots of patience, strenght and endurance.

 

Ah-ha!! That's the missing piece I was looking for - thanks for this - as I couldn't sort out why is was the case for some and not others. Since I got BC it includes the top plate so I should be good :D

I wonder if I will still need to get a block of wood and lower the car on it for compression - or if it's truly plug'n'play.

 

don't think you'll need anything special but I could be wrong.

Post your opinion on the BC when you give them a spin !

 

I understand what you are saying, but what about the removal of the stock OEM Suspension, will you need a spring compressor for that? Is the OEM Shock and Spring all one unit or are they a separate unit? I just orderd BC Coil-overs so I will be getting rid of the OEM shock and spring anyway, but do you need a compressor for removal of the OEM Suspension?

 

Theyll come out as one assembly, and you wont need to take the assembly a part since you are not reusing the top plates.

You will not need a spring compressors. Althoug it may come in handy if you which to adjust the height to a higher setting.


The clamp type compressor are worth 20$ and a must habe tool imo, needes or not needed ita a good tool to own

 

You don't adjust the height on BCs by compressing the spring so you won't need a compressor for that either.

 

Thats possible and quite a nice thing. To get my passat to winter eight it was such a hassle.

 

Nevermind. Reading comprehension.

 

Can you supply the tools that you used for your Coil-over install.

 

The most average socket kit from the hardware store will do it