How does one aquire a spring compressor? Or does one not, due to the specialized purpose of such an contraption.

I would like to install my springs whilist I install my rims. I do not trust any shop with my volks. Discount tire scratched my 5zigens. They were about the only shop around I simi trust with the Z...


If anyone can advise me, thank you in advance!

 

luckily, there isn't much preload on the stock springs, so a spring compressor is not necessary. just stand on the spring when you are loosening the bolt withe an impact gun.

 

thats real safe! Autozone rents spring compressors for free. I bought a set from harbor freight tools for $10.

 

You can "rent" one from Autozone, but its really a fully refundable deposit. Make sure you get the "strut spring tool" and not the "coil spring compressor".

 

thanks for the advice!!

is an impact wrench necessary to break the bolts loose, dumb question but I would rather not have to borrow or find one If I dont need to.

 

I ordered my springs today!

I spoke with Tony@performance(?) maybe, who ever it was thanks for talking with me on the phone!

I didn't want a full 1 inch drop so I went with Tein S-Tech springs.

 

DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT FOLLOW THIS ADVICE. Is it worth losing an eye to save 15 minutes. Always use a spring compressor when removing OEM springs. As mentioned most auto parts stores will let you rent some and if you plan on doing this job in the future I would recommend purchasing a set as I have done.

 

An impact wrench is definitely not needed, but a good breaker bar would be recommended.

 

thank you

 

Compressor isn't needed, but highly recommended. The spring compressor would be a biatch to tighten without one.

tip - You need to compress the spring enough so that it is totally free to ubolt the strut from the strut hat. And an impact wrench really helps for this part too.

 

you clowns are getting awfully worked up about this.

i have lowered over 20 G's or Z's, and have never once used a spring compressor EVEN THOUGH I OWN ONE!!

there is very little preload, and i assure you that you will not be losing any eyes over it.

sheesh!! like a group of overprotective moms.

 

Ditto I installed my B&G springs without a spring compressor as well. On the stock springs I used a breaker bar on the top strut nut while still on the car. Re-installing my new B&Gs required a little pushing down on the upper mount but it was nothing that I couldn't do without a spring compressor. On hondas I could see needing a spring compressor but my last two Nissan didn't have much pre-load and I was able to install my springs with no trouble at all. AND NO SPRING COMPRESSOR...

 

You can take these guys advice, or you can go by the 350Z Factory Service Manual.

 

Guys,

I just ordered springs too (hotchkiss). But I like to know the type of tools needed to install this suckers.

Also, what is the "rubber" like in the picture. I know its some kind of dampening (noise). How does it go in or what will hold it? Please be specific.

Btw, do you take out the whole assembly (strut) off the car. I read the how to on active tuning site.

Thanks in advance.

Tony

 

That black piece looks like a bump stop. It helps the strut not fully compress when hitting bumps. The 350Z set probably won't come with any. You do have to completely remove the front strut assemblies like in the picture above to remove the OEM spring and replace it. The back is just a couple bolts and the spring comes out and you put in the new one.

 

just got my teins today... they hint about these rubber things. They supply a chart with how much of a rubber thing should be cut but for the Z, there is nothing listed.

 

Guys,

So the rubber won't be supplied/needed in the Z?


Thanks,
Tony

 

thats what Im thinking tony

 

..

 

NNNNOOOOOOOO Impacts, and I have never used a compressor---Just gotta put ur A$$ in it.( Thats on the bolts ) Springs are a snap. DONT GETEM UPSIDE DOWN!!! And position properly in the Rubbers