Hey,

im in the process of chnaging the springs over, i have a qusetion about the top mounts, is the nut supposed to move indipendantly of the allen key screw? or is it a whole unit? the nut is rotating with the allen key screw, i dont want to remove it just encase

The allen head screw is actually the end of the shocker strut. you need to hold the allen head still whilst loosening the nut which holds the shocker to the top mount. Either use a go through socket set or hold a socket in a pair of mole grips. Only loosen the nut halfway though when on the car, and finish off on a bench using spring compressors.

WARNING!

Do not remove the top nut unless the springs are restrained with spring compressors

My carport wall still has the mark where a spring hit it, and that was with the springs partly-compressed (I thought they were compressed enough to release the top nut - I was wrong). After the errant spring had bounced around the carport for a while, I wondered where the top nut had gone. A couple of seconds later, I heard it land on a driveway on the other side of the road

Seriously - a spring can kill or maim - if you don't have compressors, buy or borrow some - they aren't expensive.

If you have already got the springs compressed, then I apologise for preaching.

Wise words indeed Nigel. I've heard of all sorts of ridiculous ways & means that some so called petrol heads have tried & removed springs, some ending in disaster..........

very dangerous job if there is lack of knowledge/common sense and correct tools.

Thanks for the info guys, i managed to do it in the end After a few expletives, one thing i would recommend when doing the rear springs are some shorter spring compressors, i was struggling to get 2 clamps on so that i was easier to remove.
Yes loaded springs are very dangerous!! If you are not confident or not sure what you are doing leave it to someone that does!!

Dan you don't need to compress the rear springs, if you'd removed the bottom fixing for the shock the arm swings low enough to remove the spring without the need for clamps.

Sorry you're finding this out now

ahhhh i never thought about doing anything like that, i read the how to on here, it said to use spring compressors, that would have saved me hours, and alot of swearing oh and form accidently punching the bottom of the car...

seems your enjoying the Apex springs then dan!

I am indeed thanks Marco! They have totally transformed the ride and handling, unlike some i dont find that they are too hard, seem spot on!

good to know!

im looking for another set now... i have just found out i have a poped rear shock and i think one of my springs have snapped at the front.

what are the chances.

its at my mates garage now getting looked at!

YEY

Talk about sods law, you sell a set then could do with some your self! Been there with a front spring snapping except mine decided peirce a brand new tyre at the same time.
i hope it turns out ok mate.

yer, im on the hunt to buy it all again!! lol but im now looking for new better stuff!!

but those springs... they are good yer??

Yes the Apex springs are fine for me, good improvement over the standard ones, i have only have 25mile drive home from fitting them and i have no complaints.

not sure if this is due to the springs, but they seem to squeak a bit, not sure if it is the springs or not but only just noticed it, anyone else had this? i noticed that the bottom 3 coils are sat on each other could it be these that are rubbing?

i would check every thing is tight mate!

im pretty sure that it all is, i went round checking the bolts etc when i had finished...

It's the Apex springs, I'm sure Si will be along soon to tell you, he fitted the Apex springs and found they made the top mounts creak and squeak, he removed them about a week later as he didn't like the ride or the noise

Ah right, thanks for that Jimbo. To be honest i think the ride is ok and have not really noticed any more noise.... Lucky for me (in a way) i dont actually use the car very often.

Dan, what torque did you set the top mount bolts to, the ones which bolt them to the chassis?

errrr..... they are pretty well torqued up, not as tight as i could get them, they gripped and then turned abit more. (i dont actually own a torque wrench).

Ok no worries

iirc the top strut nut should be torqued to 90nm and the other 3 to the chassis torqued to 40nm.

cool thanks, i will see if i can get my grubby mits on a torque wrench and check them.