Front Strut Replacement - Haynes Manual or Repair Operations Manual

[Classic49]

Before we get a sunny day and I can start on overhauling the front struts, I notice that the Repair Operations Manual (ROM) states that I don't need to apply the spring compressors until I have removed the units from the car and before I remove the cotter pin and slotted nut which all seems reasonable to me. However, the Haynes Manual says I need to apply the spring compressors before doing anything else - ie, while the strut is still mounted to the car.

Also, the Haynes Manual says about refitting "Refit road wheel and when positioned in the straight ahead position, grasp the road spring and rotate it so as to bring its lower extremity directly inboard" (whatever that means) "This is to ensure that the spring bows out slightly when loaded so preventing fouling on the wheel arch". However, there is no mention of this in the ROM.

Can anybody confirm that I should ignore the Haynes Manual and stick with the ROM?

Also, both Manuals say I will need some Plastiseal - does anyone know where I can obtain this in a small quantity?

Simon

[Kevin Garrod]

You don't need spring compressors to remove the strut from the car. I took mine off without and got the spring seat insulators replaced at my friend's garage.
When you replace the spring make sure the end of the spring is pointing the right way to avoid possible fouling.
Can't help with the sealant.

[redstag]

You are looking for this type of sealant

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BOLT-PANEL-SEALER-BUTYL-ROLL-STRIP-SEALANT-BONDING-/330708939518?pt=UK_Body_Shop_Supplies_Paint&hash=item4cffc9f2fe

http://www.cbsonline.co.uk/product/Butyl_Sealer_Strip_7M_BUTYL

Pete

[martin]

DumDum is cheaper and has a massive shelf life. Road spring, no need for compressor till the strut is off, twist the spring till the bottom end is facing the inner wing. Some of that stuff is confusing, but the ROM is a factory book, the Haynes manual is based on experience, not that I'm a fan, but nonetheless it's true. Martin.

[Stevekid1]

As already stated you dont need spring clamps to remove the unit from the car. Be careful when you undo the four bolts at the base onto the hub, one or two of the bolts have thin spacer washers which you must put back in the same place. For sealant I used butyle mastic which you can get from koi carp pond specialists or large garden centres that do ponds. Its rubberised and does not go off like ordinary mastic.

Steve

[martin]

As already stated you dont need spring clamps to remove the unit from the car. Be careful when you undo the four bolts at the base onto the hub, one or two of the bolts have thin spacer washers which you must put back in the same place. For sealant I used butyle mastic which you can get from koi carp pond specialists or large garden centres that do ponds. Its rubberised and does not go off like ordinary mastic.

Steve

That's well worth knowing, easy to use to fix door gaskets as well. Martin.

[redstag]

DumDum is cheaper and has a massive shelf life. Road spring, no need for compressor till the strut is off, twist the spring till the bottom end is facing the inner wing. Some of that stuff is confusing, but the ROM is a factory book, the Haynes manual is based on experience, not that I'm a fan, but nonetheless it's true. Martin.

Not sure it is any cheaper but can you still buy it? I am sure I have read that it is not available.
Personally I prefer the butyl sealants anyway.

Pete

[Classic49]

Thanks everyone. I feel I am ready for the challenge now. Just need a day without rain lol. Unfortunately there isn't enough room in the garage to do the work under cover.

[Classic49]

Regarding the rear springs, will I need to disconnect the driveshaft universal to remove the springs? Again, Haynes says yes but ROM say no.

[milothedog]

Only the N/S one, the Exhaust won't let it drop to give the room to get the spring out.

Ian.

[Classic49]

Only the N/S one, the Exhaust won't let it drop to give the room to get the spring out.

Ian.

Ian, I managed to avoid the extra hassle by using spring compressors to give enough clearance to remove and replace the spring.

Simon

[alistair260661]

i did the front springs (before my one went up in smoke - no connection) and I found an issue with spring compressors - the short ones (10 inches) were too short - after compressing the spring and removing it from the strut, i found that the comressors weren't long enough to release the tension on the spring enough to get the compressors off the spring. I tried putting it back together and using the compressors to grip/compress less "rings" in the spring - then they didn't compress the spring enough to release the tension so I could get the top nut off and for me to get it back off the strut.

I eventually went an bought a longer set of compressors - 12/14 inches. The first set were Halfrauds standard ones, the second set I bought off e-bay (US Pro) - average quality, but they did the job.

So beware if you are planning to do this without cover.............

[Classic49]

i did the front springs (before my one went up in smoke - no connection) and I found an issue with spring compressors - the short ones (10 inches) were too short - after compressing the spring and removing it from the strut, i found that the comressors weren't long enough to release the tension on the spring enough to get the compressors off the spring. I tried putting it back together and using the compressors to grip/compress less "rings" in the spring - then they didn't compress the spring enough to release the tension so I could get the top nut off and for me to get it back off the strut.

I eventually went an bought a longer set of compressors - 12/14 inches. The first set were Halfrauds standard ones, the second set I bought off e-bay (US Pro) - average quality, but they did the job.

So beware if you are planning to do this without cover.............

Hi Alistair. How ironic to get your message. Having just spent all evening trying (unsuccessfully) to compress the spring to fit the strut using 4 x 8" compressors, I logged on to the laptop to see if longer ones were available, only to find your posting.

I've found these on ebay which should suit http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/US-PRO-IND...item231c9bd0a1

Simon.

Simon

[martin]

Hi Simon, I see they've got them on "but it now" for £17.50. Pretty good price for their size. Martin.

[Classic49]

Hi Simon, I see they've got them on "but it now" for £17.50. Pretty good price for their size. Martin.

Thanks Martin, the link was to the first set I found but I have now bought the £17.50 ones.

Simon