Suspension Install Guide

[Kvision]

This is probably the best guide I've come across to install suspension for total n00bs. Large and clear close up photos for every step! With this guide, I managed to install my Tein SS by myself and am one happy chappy!

http://www.villacorte.com/miata/gc_coilover/index.html

[Stu]

Good Find

[atomic]

On this site which is linked from the page you gave, it says:

\"A Miata even with its stock suspension corners on the bumpstops essentially all the time.\"

Just wondering how true this statement is.... ?

[Okibi]

I seem to remember, Keith Tanners book has a great write up about changing the shocks.

[metris]

...revival!

i was told that i would need a coil spring compressor to get the old springs off and new springs onto my NB?

is that right?

in this guide it doesnt seem like you need it at all???

[Kvision]

I think u'll be needing a compressor for installing/removing springs.

[metris]

have you seen the guide tho? he doesnt use any... or it doesnt show him using any...

[StanTheMan]

ROFLMHO.......
you don't need that. It makes it very convenient though

[metris]

dont laugh at meee!!!!!

okay so if i DONT use it, what the chance of getting smacked in the face by a spring..?

[AJ]

fair to very high...........of course, you could be lucky & lose the fingers off one hand BEFORE it smashes your jaw to pieces

[metris]

ooookay im convinced. I'll buy a compressor...

thanks guys!

[NMX516]

If you're changing springs and not shocks, then yes you'll need a spring compressor - don't attempt changing springs without one. If you're changing the whole coilover setup, as per Teins then the springs are already fitted to the shock, so the coil over assembly just bolts straight in.

I used the \"long bolt method\" for the front, and consider that to be the easiest way of changing the fronts...

[timk]

I used the "long bolt method" for the front, and consider that to be the easiest way of changing the fronts...

Ditto!

[Juffa]

Bah humbug.......

You DO NOT need a spring compressor to remove/fit spings and/or shocks in an MX-5. I have replaced the springs while leaving the shocks in place.

As copied from a number of similar posts I have made on the big forum.

There is another method to remove springs without a spring compressor. I have used this method a number of times without injury to the car or myself.


Use your preferred method to ready the spring/shock absorber for removal, ie separate the ball joint or remove the upper A arm bolt.

Using a scissor jack to press up against the bottom of the suspension, ie on a point where you can safely apply upward pressure without the jack slipping.

Raise the jack until the spring is compressed. Be careful not to raise the jack to the point where the car is lifting off the jack stands.

Loosen and remove the single upper shock absorber nut. (do not do this unless the spring is being safely compressed by the scissor jack).

SLOWLY lower the scissor jack thus releasing the pressure on the spring. The spring will un-compress as the pressure from the jack is removed.

Once fully released the spring should be loose and ready for removal.

Pressing down on the lower suspension arm will allow the spring/shock absorber to be swung free from the upper mounting point.

At this point the spring and shock absorber can be removed.

Installation is a reversal of the above.


J

[metris]

okay great thanks guys!
i removed and replaced the springs on the rear last night successfully using compressors, put the fear of god into me...
so i'll be doing the front tonight! yay...

its actually sitting dead even right now with the lowered springs at the back and the standard on the front!!! im worried its going to drop toooo low at the front now...

any previous experiences?