[s-cars] '94 UrS4 rear spring replacement

[Duncan Thomson]

Thanks Fred,

Once I got the height right, I lined up the hole using the end of a
screwdriver. It was just the height that got me.
Looks like options are:
    - compress spring while fitting
    - use jack to position
    - remove swaybar link

I compressed the spring, which is difficult due to tight space.
I found the jack method difficult as the strut tried to swing out in
awkward directions.

I avoided the swaybar option, as it seemed like an additional step, and
I wasn't sure if it would be enough. I will try that on the other side
tomorrow though.

Thanks for all the help guys, greatly appreciated!

Duncan
'94 S4
   
-- 
On 16/04/2010 9:25 a.m., Fred Munro wrote:
> Duncan;
>
> The rear struts have a "twist" in them when properly assembled. There is a
> special factory tool to make sure the shock insert is mounted with the
> proper orientation to allow the bottom bolt to slide through. If the bolt
> won't go in, it may not be the height that is stopping it, but the shock eye
> may be twisted a bit such that the bolt can't slide through. Since most of
> us don't have the special tool, you have to be careful with your match-marks
> to make sure everything lines up right when you put the strut back together.
> I usually slide a bar through the shock eye to make any "adjustments" that
> are required to get the bolt to slide through. Looking through the bolt hole
> will show you why it is hanging up.
>
> Fred Munro
> '97 S6
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Duncan Thomson [mailto:thomson.duncan at gmail.com] 
> Sent: April 15, 2010 4:14 PM
> To: Fred Munro
> Cc: 'Theodore Chen'; 'S-CAR list'
> Subject: Re: [s-cars] '94 UrS4 rear spring replacement
>
> Thanks for the advice. Safety first!
> I am very cautious around auto springs, and never really trust them
> either. I'm constantly concerned about losing fingers to them.
>
> My first attempt was as you said, got the top bolted in, and then tried
> to jack, but couldn't get the lower attachment point to line up as I
> jacked.
>
> Will have to see if I can find a better method for the other side.
>
> Thanks for the advice!
> Duncan
>
>