Proper way to install springs…

[REDLINE]

Hey folks, I’m getting ready to install some Euro Z4 eibach springs, but am debating which method I should use. Some videos are saying to just remove the top nut separating the springs and bearing from the top hats.
Other videos say you should remove the entire top hat, since the bearings and top hats are technically one piece (bearings are glued to top hats when you order a new set).
I saw some videos where removing just the bearings from the top hat resulted in the plastic retaining ring holding the bearings disintegrating.

Any thoughts?

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[PikkaGTR]

I have installed countess suspension on too many cars to list
I will always follow caution and use a spring compressor tool
For the rear a jack to guide to control arm should be adequate to remove the rear springs

 

[ope_sry]

I think most people are just removing the nut. That’s how I installed mine with no issues. It seems unnecessary to remove the entire top hat. A spring compressor is necessary either way, but I don’t think that was part of your question.

 

[REDLINE]

I think most people are just removing the nut. That’s how I installed mine with no issues. It seems unnecessary to remove the entire top hat. A spring compressor is necessary either way, but I don’t think that was part of your question.

Thanks, ope_sry. Yeah, spring compressers are a definite safety must in my book

 

[MA617M]

I followed the workshop manual, removed the top hat. German vehicles get rather pissy when you don't follow the workshop manual lol

But you could leave the top hat in if you wanted, but it's not really difficult to remove it attached either.

Hardest part is splitting the front knuckle enough to get the strut tube out, and then doing the suspension geometry dance to get them out without removing the front hubs. Definitely disconnect the front anti-roll bar links for a bit of extra movement.

 

[Thraxbert]

Top nut only. Use a spring compressor.

Buy eTorx sockets.

Buy spring/coil isolators for the rear.

 

[REDLINE]

I followed the workshop manual, removed the top hat. German vehicles get rather pissy when you don't follow the workshop manual lol

But you could leave the top hat in if you wanted, but it's not really difficult to remove it attached either.

Hardest part is splitting the front knuckle enough to get the strut tube out, and then doing the suspension geometry dance to get them out without removing the front hubs. Definitely disconnect the front anti-roll bar links for a bit of extra movement.

Thanks, MA167M. I see a lot of people pull down on the knuckle to give more room. I also intend on applying compression onto the struts and buttoning up the spring compressors while struts are compressed. Hopefully that’ll shorten them a bit

 

[REDLINE]

Top nut only. Use a spring compressor.

Buy eTorx sockets.

Buy spring/coil isolators for the rear.

Never heard of the isolators part. Got any links? Are they universal?

 

[Thraxbert]

Never heard of the isolators part. Got any links? Are they universal?

More info.

 

[REDLINE]

Whoah! Thanks for that write-up, Thraxbert! Gonna order some tein isolators. Also thanks for the torque specs. Most videos/write-ups fail to include those

 

[MA617M]

Thanks, MA167M. I see a lot of people pull down on the knuckle to give more room. I also intend on applying compression onto the struts and buttoning up the spring compressors while struts are compressed. Hopefully that’ll shorten them a bit

Yep, you have to compress the springs a little, unless you unbolt the whole knuckle. Which I try to avoid haha.

- Unbolt anti roll-bar linkage
- Unbolt strut, spread knuckle using SST (Even a dodgy eBay one works ok - try not to mangle the alloy)
- Spring compressors on spring
- Unbolt strut top OR damper nut
- Roll knuckle outwards
- Try and get the damn thing out

There may be more steps I've missed - again, have a quick read of the workshop manual to familiarise yourself.

 

[Phantomx]

I see the Eibach spring kit comes with new bumpstops what are the other spring companies recommending for bumpstops? Leave Stock? Cut down 1” to compensate for lost travel? Do nothing? I know on my Miata it was a big deal with bump stops but on my Mustangs didn’t matter.

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