ttk5

I have my H&R lowering springs and I would love to try and DIY it...I really dont want to pay $180+ for an install. I just want to know what you guys suggest? I've never installed springs before so how hard do you guys think it will be? Do I need any special tools? Do I ever have to go under the car like when I install an exhaust? Is there a serious chance I can screw up my car? Please help

DerwoodEE

I did mine myself, but that was about my 6th or so spring install in my lifetime. You can't really screw anything up unless you're extremely stupid. Basic tools, a jack, jack stands, spring compressor, and a prybar is all you need. The spring compressor is the only "special tool" required. But you can normally rent one for free at your local auto parts store. I know Autozone here rents them for free because that's were I got mine. You put down like a $50 deposit or whatever it is (just in case you steal it) and get your money back when you return it.

If you have any specific questions or need help in any way I'd be more than happy. I'd even give you my cell phone number so you can text me specific questions if you get stuck during the install. I can normally respond pretty quickly. Just drop me a PM if you need anything.

defconskylude

i didnt have time nor the knowledge to install springs so i paid a muffler shop $120 to install my S-techs.

took them 2 hours.

$60/per hour

ttk5

Thats very awesome of you Darren. Thanks for the help. I will look into borrowing a spring compressor from somewhere and Ill PM you when I have more questions.

GrigioX

I think you should try it and report back here on your progress!

ttk5

I spent literally 45mins on the phone and I could not find anywhere that can lend me a spring compressor :S wish I lived in the states.....got 5 quotes for installing them and they are all $180+...one place quoted me 240 lol.

DerwoodEE

You've got to be able to find a spring compressor somewhere. Your local autoparts chain doesn't rent them?

HeavyDuty

You can buy the little cheapie ones at most auto parts stores, too. They're literally about as good as a Bic lighter, use them once and please God throw them away before you or someone else loses a finger or breaks their arm.

Or, get the car up on four jack stands, remove the struts and take them with the springs to a shop. Make sure the springs are marked 1 & 2 or F & R, or in some cases even LF RF RR LR. Make sure they cut the bump stops according to the directions.

MrOtocinclus

I've had this spring compressor on my Amazon wish list for the longest time:

http://www.amazon.com/OEM-25550-Stru...=13IPDU73NA4X2

40 bucks, no tax, free shipping, and 5 star reviews.

Edit: My bad, I forgot you're in B.C. Have you tried Canadian Tire?

MrOtocinclus

Also, if it makes you feel any better, I paid $285 to get my springs installed.

patcracks

damn i paid 550 bucks for install wtf!

ttk5

i found a place to rent me a spring compressor

GrigioX

i was quoted >$800 to install springs in my Audi A6. lol. Needless to say i didn't do it. Fkn highway robbery for anthing over $200.

DerwoodEE

Those price quotes are ridiculous.

I can't believe more people don't attempt to do the install themselves. It's really not that hard.

GrigioX

It's not so easy on my Audi, the rear requires some extra steps that I wouldn't dare do myself.

MrOtocinclus

I would say that a lot of factors come into play: inexperience, ignorance, fear, talent, confidence, time, etc. As you have mentioned you worked at a BMW dealership for a number of years, so you've got the experience and confidence that goes with that, and perhaps you're just more mechanically inclined than others.

Anyway, everyone has their strong points and if working on one's own car is not one of them, then one must fork over the cash to have someone else do it.

Or, it could simply be a matter of time and energy and wanting to spend those two things on something other than a car.

I'll admit, I fall in the former category.

DerwoodEE

I worked at a dealership yes (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Saab, Mazda, VW), but I wasn't a technician. I just worked there through college as a lot attendant for most years then a couple years delivering parts. But I will admit I learned quite a bit from coworkers.

However most of my knowledge comes from just getting my hands dirty and ripping shit apart for the fun of it. I wouldn't start the learning process on a $30K car though. This was on cars I've owned from the time I was 15 (used, relatively cheap cars). After ripping it apart, if it didn't work when I put it back together or wasn't fitting back into place, I knew I did something wrong and corrected it until it worked.

But I agree with what you said.

I personally don't really have the time for it, but I make time. Since it's a hobby to me, I need that time in the garage every once in a while to get away from the wife and kid for a few hours. It's my "me time".

5thTo2nd

haha same here. I just did an oil change on my wife's car (long weekend here) today.

I DIY as much as possible too like brake pads, oil, coolant, tranny and power steering flushes, etc. but compressing the springs I'd rather leave to a professional just in case--wouldn't want one of them to go flying out at me.

HeavyDuty

Springs are simple, yet scary at the same time. I remember doing springs & Koni's on the ex's Pathfinder. There I was, straddling a big honkin spring/strut assembly, using a vehicle lift's weight to help push down the strut hat enough to get the nut on. Then I glance down to notice that it's directly below my crotch...and said a little prayer.

Anyone with even a casual interest in their car should really invest in a Factory Service Manual. They're available from Helm, Inc. This isn't *like* the OE Acura manual, it *is* the OE manual.

http://www.helminc.com/helm/product2...200&itemtype=N

It's more expensive than I remember, but if you only save yourself one hosing by a shop, it's worth it. If after reviewing the job in it's entirety and you decide to not pursue it, then you *know* what you'd be getting into.

kowloonsniperhk

I did one spring install with the guide and help of my two friends who are ASE certified on my 1G TSX. they basically told me what to do and they help me when needed. But boy, it was a definitely experience.

ttk5

sooo its been 4 months now. Found a place that can install my springs for an affordable price so I made an appointment for tomorrow. I'll finally be able to look at my car without that terrible wheel gap

DerwoodEE

Damn, I was hoping you'd make the effort yourself.

That's cool though, if it's cheap enough then it's worth it.

Rev Run

we do have the same set up as 8th gen accords if i'm not mistaken.. this DIY should be helpful
http://www./forums/showthread.php?t=19949

regardless i am probably going to be attempting springs in about a week or 2 and will make a DIY if i remember.