Just wondering if you guys had suggestions as to where I should get some H-sport springs installed. Steve's auto clinic was suggested to me, but it's a bit of a drive(about an hour). I live in Orange County, so if any of you have suggestions I would appreciate it. Thought about bringing it to a dealer, but I know they will charge an arm and a leg. Have thought about installing it with a friend, but it seems like the front ones are really tough to do. Also, I've never done anything like this before, so I don't want to risk screwing up my new MC.

Input would be appreciated.

 

on the contrary, the fronts aren't too bad.

PM me if you'd like specific instructions.

I did mine solo in under 4 hours, just imagine what another set of hands can do... The worst parts were these:

1. initially breaking loose the top nut on the front struts. Accomplished simply by leaving the car on the ground, removing the strut bearing cover to access the nut, then using a 1/2" drive socket and breaker bar to get it loose. Leaving the car on the ground keeps it under compression, thus preventing the strut shaft from turning (at least initially) when you first get the nut loose.

2. getting the bottom of the rear strut assembly lined up with the hole in trailing arm to reattach the strut to that assembly. Had to use a jack and took a few attempts to get it lined up just right.

Other than that, you just need spring compressors (specifically the kind that most auto parts places rent/loan) and a few common tools.

Marty

 

I agree with Marty. It's not hard to do at all.
You only need hand tools to do the job and a couple of hours of
free time.

Any muffler/strut shop can do the install for you too, if you'd like.
H-sports come with nice illustrated instructions too.

I don't know what the fuss was about the fronts either.

 

Thanks so far guys. I think I'm leaning towards trying it with a buddy. It's just that I don't want to screw up anything because I'm not very car savvy. This would be my very first installation internally. I'm still considering steve's auto clinic, but I just haven't decided yet. I could use the extra 225 that would go towards labor.

 

Be careful with the spring compressor. It can bite; hard. Otherwise a simple installation. Might want to do the shocks while your at it.

 

Thanks for the input. I'm come across other guides and they've used nylon straps. Would you using a compressor be easier??? Here's a link to the guide. What do you guys think?
http://engr.smu.edu/rcam/cpm3v/minimain.htm

And is it really as simple as you guys are stating? Like I stated earlier, I've never really worked on cars before.

 

Get a spring compressor at AutoZone...cheap...like 20 bucks....VERY safe.

 

The nylon straps will really help in removing the front-driver side strut. If you use nylons, you will not really have any need for the spring compressors. I just used the nylon straps as spring compressors. Have a more experienced friend help you with the install. An air compressor and power tool may be required to remove the top nut on the strut. It isn't to bad if either of you have done spring installs before.

 

Just make sure the portion that hold the coil is the smaller type because the
H-sports have coils that are close together and some spring compressors
(like mine!) will not fit without a little work.

Im sure the nylon straps are 'safe', but im kinda hesitant to go that route...

You'll want to loosen the top strut piston nut while the strut is on the
car if you don't have a bench vice like the one they show.

 

check below for write-ups, as well. just PM'd you what I could remember about the install.

http://www.webbmotorsports.com/forum...topic.php?t=13

http://www.webbmotorsports.com/forum...topic.php?t=14

should help a bit.

Marty

 

I have lots of experience with just a few brand name cars. The MINI was totally new to me and I've never had a car or worked on a car with conventional McPherson Struts. With MartyR's help, I was able to knock the spring chage out pretty easy.

I hesitate to encourage folks to do particular jobs because I don't know their skill level. Since you have a friend to help I would encourage you to tackle it, but do it safely. Make sure the car is supported properly and make sure you use a safe spring compressor. I have a hydraulic stationary unit that makes it very easy and safe. The next best thing, in my opinion, would be the compressor set from Auto Zone with the safety pins to see that it does not come loose from the spring. There is MUCHO energy in that spring and it can hurt you BAD.

Be safe and tackle it with your friend. The satisfaction that you did it yourself will make that little car handle even better. If you get stumped, post here and we'll help you past it.

 

Thanks for the input LilredMini!

 

a few words of caution that you'd probably assumed already:

USE JACKSTANDS!

Marty

PS If you are the least bit doubtful about the install, just have a shop do it. A few dollars are well worth your personal safety and sanity!!!

 

griotsgarage.com sells a nice jack stand for $49.99 a pair which has a
flat top in the middle like the one in the picture. It seats the Mini's jack points perfectly on the flat part. I use it and very happy with it. It is also low
profile so you don't have to raise the car that high to get the stand
under there. :smile:




[QUOTE=MartyR]a few words of caution that you'd probably assumed already:

USE JACKSTANDS!

Marty

QUOTE]

 

$50 for jack stands?
$17.99's more my speed.:smile:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38846
Of course they are orange.
In my neck of the woods O'Reilly's auto part loans a macpherson strut spring compressor for free. Just leave a deposit you get back when you return the tool.

 

I wimped out and endured the horrid traffic to Steve's today. :smile: H Sport Comp rear sway bar and camber links, H Sport Springs, M7 device, and the exhaust resonators removed. The traffic was well worth enduring, and John and the customers are so entertaining. :smile: An apt description: D**************mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmn

 

Yep, $50 for the pair is pretty cheap. AC Hydraulics Jack stands
are over $40 each.

Notice how the top is a Y shaped on yours and mine is a flat U shaped.
AC hydraulic ones offer completely flat ones with rubber pad on top.
Ive seen some cars that have the little bar that stick out from the side
to hang on the Y. My cars do not have that.

I just like a better fit while my car is up in the air.

YOURS:


AC HYDRAULIC JACK STAND

 

Those are cool jackstands. Looks like they're aluminum, much lighter and easier to manuever. Rubber pads a good thing too. It's basically the ongoing Snap-On vs Craftsman debate. Got plenty of both, just can't afford the best in everything.

Personally, I think the AC Hydraulics stands would be a better value at $80 than the Griot's would be at $50. The Griot's don't seem to be that much better than the el-cheapo's. (Unless there's aluminum hiding under that paint!) The $18 work, and believe it or not, I've got a piece of thornproof bicycle inner tube wire-tied to the top of my $18 stands to protect the underside of my cars. I think it's neurosis or something.

I've also used their big brothers to support tractors/trailers with no bad experiences. Then I also use the bigger ones to support a car when I have a lot of underside work to do or need more manuevering room 'cause I can raise it a lot higher. Like exhaust. Easier on me you know. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=34924
Wish I knew how to manipulate the pictures like you do instead of just posting a link.

 

Where'd did you drive out from Buz and at what time? I had him pencil me in at 8:30 in the morning next Friday. Just curious as to how long it would take me to get there.

 

Panganiban,
My drive was 72 miles from south Orange County, where the earth ends east of Mission Viejo. My appointment was 10AM so I allowed 2 hours for the drive and was 5 minutes late. Traffic was the pits on the 5 and even worse on the 405 . I took 5 to 101 to 405 and the same home because of a fatal motorcycle accident and other sig alerts on the 405.
The earlier the appointment the better to escape the traffic woes. I had a scheduled phone conference at 7AM and had to make my appointment for mid morning. Bring a book. There is a Starbuck's across the street.
Are you a SCMMer?

 

Thanks for the input Buzz! Hopefully, traffic won't be that bad. I'm coming from around Anaheim, so I should probably leave around 7ish. We'll see how things turn out! Anyway, I just got the Mini about a month ago, so I haven't had the time to join SCMM. Is it worth it? Just curious. I'm new to the game.

 

Panganiban,
Congrats on your new MINI. That northbound traffic can get crazy very early in the day. You will love the springs.
SCMM is great. Lots of very nice, very helpful people. Meet us between 7 - 7:30 AM this Sunday, 07/18 at the Krispy Kreme at the Block for drive (read that as freakin' hot a$$ good time) through Angeles Crest Highway and environs. An excellent opportunity to meet 50 plus Mini Maniacs and test your new springs.

 

Panganiban, this is Randy from M7. I will be at steves tomorrow working on a few projects.I can fill you in on the local clubs and info on the run on sunday. Look forward to meeting you, Randy

 

Hey Randy...Thanks for all the info so far! I actually scheduled to have the springs installed at Steve's on Friday 7/23 at 8:30 in the morning. As for this weekend, I'm out of luck and I will not be in town. Good news though. I went over to Peter's yesterday and got the M7s. Told him I was excited and can't wait till Friday. Well....one more week and hopefully, the Coop will look nicer than it is already. I guess I just have to wait.

 

Panganiban - do you already have a rear swaybar? If not, its a good
investment to tighten down the car while you get the springs done.
The initial roll will be emphasized when going to progressive rate
springs. :smile:

Im using the Alta rear swaybar (2 way adjustable) and using the stiff
setting. I think for the M7's, perhaps the soft setting would work too.