Having problems with installing H&R Lowering Springs...HELP!

[dectk06]

I'm currently trying to install H&R lowering springs on my MS3 2008.
I completed the rear with a friend, but I'm having problems with the front.

I know that the bottom of the shock has to come out of the knuckle, but when I loosen the pinch bolt the shock still won't come out.

I've tried to lightly tap it out with a hammer and no luck with that.

What else do I need to do to get the strut out of the knuckle?

I tried to search but couldn't find anything on this and I don't have a repair manual either.

Please help me out. Right now I'm riding 1.5" lower on the rear but stock in on front.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[bgibb68]

you just have to work it off the knuckle....get a rubber mallet or a plastic dead blow hammer and wack it

 

[dectk06]

you just have to work it off the knuckle....get a rubber mallet or a plastic dead blow hammer and wack it

so the knuckle won't break from wacking it so hard and that many times?

 

[bgibb68]

so the knuckle won't break from wacking it so hard and that many times?

dude if you break the knuckle with a rubber mallet....


'HERCULES HERCULES HERCULES"

 

[dectk06]

dude if you break the knuckle with a rubber mallet....


'HERCULES HERCULES HERCULES"

Haha... thx for such a quick reply!!!

Are you sure this is the way to do it? If yes, I'm really going to take your word for it and go hammer the knuckle out sometime this week. Right now my car looks like it's taking a s***. Nose up and ass down....

The strut assembly was in the knuckle really tightly and it wouldn't budge easily so I just gave up after hammering lightly for about 30 minutes; it was getting dark outside anyway...

 

[bgibb68]

yeah....i've replaced the struts on my car and struts/shockes many other times and many other cars.....sometimes a hammer comes in handy.....


just make sure you prop the hub so it don't bang on the floor and hit the strut right above where it connects to the knuckle....

 

[bgibb68]

and they are s'posed to be tight.....it probably got a lil bit of rust holding it in there

 

[Sport6]

+1 Use some PB Blaster and spray it on the strut (or WD-40) and then bang on the knuckle until it slides out.

 

[Stamperman]

I've read a trick somewhere about taking the big bolt out of the knuckle and then installing it in the opposite side (threaded side). You then place coin in the gap of the knuckle where it is split ,then drive the bolt into it to spread the knuckle apart.

It may work on our cars, it may not.

There is also a write up in the "how to" section on installing cobb springs and the guy uses a scissors jack to drive the strut out.

Good Luck!

 

[bykeryder4life]

I beat the s*** out of the part that holds the shock in with a big ass hammer and it came right off no backtalking. just hit it on a good spot that wont dent the metal or mess it up. It is strong and can take a few downward hits to get it off.

 

[dectk06]

hey i found the thread with the cobb spring installing guide. i'm definitely trying the scissor jack method. looks like it's worth it!!! Thanks everybody and wish me luck!

 

[fructus]

Scissors jack is the way to go.

 

[bluelion]

i used the scissor jack method....

 

[MM BOOST]

yeah I was about to reply and say use the scissor jack method. Thats what we did to get mine out, then once it was almost all the way out, I then took my foot and stood on the hub and pushed it down and it popped right out. good luck bro, you are gonna love your springs!

 

[CWPspeed3]

I used the 2x4 and mallet method and just beat the s*** out of it. Not very pretty but it worked. Good luck.

 

[dectk06]

Thanks guys!
In case somebody stumbles upon this thread to figure out how to install the springs DIY here's the guide that someone on this board has already made. It's the perfect instructions manual!

Here's the link to the guide on this website:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123695729&highlight=cobb+springs

 

[fasteract]

There is also the method of putting a 1/4" drive adaptor in the seam where the bolt goes on the lower knuckle and turning 45 degrees to spread the sleeve. Pre PB Blaster of course needed.