Changing Springs?

robjh80 · 29-12-2007, 03:55 PM

Just after a bit of info from anyone who has changed over the springs in their Fiesta themselves.

Is it a job that can be tackled with hand tools or is an air compressor and a ratchet gun a must have?

The rears look easy as, I'm just a bit hesitant on tackling the front ones even though they look fairly simple enough.....Iv'e read on UK based forums that the fronts can be "a lot of fun!!"

Be grateful to hear of anyones opinions or experiences.

mitch_lx · 29-12-2007, 04:07 PM

I changed the springs in the Fiesta with the help of my brother.

The rears were very simple.

The fronts took a LONG time. Basically once you undo the bolt which holds the bottom of the shock in place, it tends to be very stuck and impossible to remove.
so you actually need to soak it in dw40 and smack the cast iron section around the bottom of the shock with a mallet lol.

Obviously being cast iron its incredibly strong. so it wont damage it.

Tell you what though, Changing the springs in the fiesta was a whole lot easier than changing the springs in GTI.

Scareybear · 01-01-2008, 02:42 PM

All up a pretty easy job, only took me 12months & 2 hrs including wheel alignment, springs sat on a bench for 12months till I had time to fit them (long story, change of job, open new shop............)
I agree with mitch, the bottom bolt is a .

melbzetec · 01-01-2008, 06:38 PM

If I've already got the springs (eibach for Focus), who would you recommend to do the install if you didn't want to do it yourself?

Suspension chain eg Pedders? ...Dealer? ...Or Independent suspension place?

I don't want to get a bs sales pitch about needing new shocks

robjh80 · 01-01-2008, 06:38 PM

Thanks guys, do you reckon I would need a ratchet gun and air compressor or can I tackle it with just hand tools that are available?

Outbackjack · 01-01-2008, 09:21 PM

This something that I have been considering doing. Can I get a set of springs that will stiffen up the ride without lowering too much? And where can I get the springs from?

Cheers all.

robjh80 · 01-01-2008, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outbackjack

This something that I have been considering doing. Can I get a set of springs that will stiffen up the ride without lowering too much? And where can I get the springs from?

Cheers all.

I had King springs on the Zetec which where fine, didn't cost much either from memory, you can pick them up just about anywhere.

NOTE: the King Springs will not suit the XR4 though as it has the heavier 2L motor in it, for the XR4 I got Eibach Springs from European Parts, they cost me A$340 delivered Express Post Airmail, only took just over a week to get here, if your willing to wait a bit longer they will cost about A$270 delivered by boat.

http://www.european-parts.net/catalo...d8bffd8ebf472c

Scareybear · 02-01-2008, 09:03 AM

You won't need a rattle gun, it just makes it a little faster, spring compressors are a must though.

robjh80 · 03-01-2008, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scareybear

You won't need a rattle gun, it just makes it a little faster, spring compressors are a must though.

Thanks mate, I went out today and bought the tools......got some spring compressors, a 15mm Open End Ring Spanner for the lower bolt, a 18mm Gooseneck Ring Spanner for the top bolt and a big can of WD40 to try and loosen that "nasty lower housing" off the front strut assembly.

As Jeremy Clarkson would say...."How hard can it be?"

Think I might attack it on the weekend....wish me luck!!...

:

mitch_lx · 04-01-2008, 08:53 AM

Buy some steel gloves

otherwise your hands will be mince meat by the end of the mallet smashing session.

Scareybear · 04-01-2008, 10:01 PM

If you run into trouble & need a hand, PM me, I'll see if I can help.

robjh80 · 05-01-2008, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scareybear

If you run into trouble & need a hand, PM me, I'll see if I can help.

Thanks Carey, really appreciate the offer mate.

I ended up getting my Brother-in-Law who's a Mechanic from "way-back" to give me a hand, we put them in today, didn't take very long at all......it's easy when you have someone who could do the job in their sleep helping out....I think maybe I was just getting in the way..

Must say it looks so much better lowered, the Eibach's lower it just about the right amount imo, really pleased with it.

Only trouble is the wheels are about a 54 offset so they are tucked inside the rear guards a bit too much....I'm going to start looking at 18's with about a 40 offset which will bring the wheels right out to the edge of the rear guards, Iv'e seen plenty of pics of this exact setup on Euro Forums and it looks so sweet....

Scareybear · 05-01-2008, 11:44 PM

Don't forget to get an alignment asap.