How to - Install Springs! - Page 6

jutes85 · 03-11-2007, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supermarkus

It's a total of 5 bolts if memory serves me correctly. remove the first two that hold the seat bottom in place and remove the cushion. Then remove the 3 holding the back in place and lift it out. Seriously, its so easy that if you REALLY have to have it explained to you, you shouldn't be turning wrenches on your own car.

Thanks, but I just needed the location of them. I'm a mechanic by trade, so I know a thing or two about turning wrenches.

supermarkus · 03-12-2007, 12:22 AM

k, check out the calf area for the seat bottom. then just above the seat bottoms for the seat backs.

Yoo Shin · 03-13-2007, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b0oSt1N_LrG

one question... i don't know how you're supposed to take this nut off if i'm using hand tools... i thought this is where i use the wrench and the allen key, but how do i get the wrench to hold on to the nut? it's inside the upper mount...

I bought a spar socket and dremelled the sides flat so that that a set of vise grips could grip it without slipping. the allen wrench goes right through the top of the socket. I use a set of plyers or another set of vise grips to hold on to the allen while I tighten with the socket.

supermarkus · 03-13-2007, 09:29 PM

GearWrenches FTW.

**nandanrp** · 03-14-2007, 06:36 AM

So when putting the strut back together (the nut you take out for the bumpstops, and the nut for the strut top) is it possible to get a torque wrench on there? Or will it keep rotating while you try to torque it to spec?

Or do you just have to wing it with the impact gun?

T3h_Clap · 03-14-2007, 06:51 AM

the bottom you can't do much but wing it on.

the top nut, if you have an offset box wrench + allen key you should be able to get it tight.

**nandanrp** · 03-14-2007, 07:04 AM

^^^Well, a box wrench won't let you set it to specific torque specs either, so I guess impacting it on is the best bet

Man, I hope I don't F those nuts up using the impact wrench

41 lb-ft is nothing!

IDAHOSTI · 03-14-2007, 07:55 PM

In the process of doing this..however came across this idea that worked and am now passing on as a tip.

Loosen the top 17mm bolt while it is still in the car. This eliminates the need for the allen wrench if you don't have an air impact.

and as far as torquing the top bolt back to spec..anyone tried putting it back in the car and tightening it under load? I got it off that way maybe it will go back on that way

**evilSTi7** · 03-14-2007, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IDAHOSTI

In the process of doing this..however came across this idea that worked and am now passing on as a tip.

Loosen the top 17mm bolt while it is still in the car. This eliminates the need for the allen wrench if you don't have an air impact.

and as far as torquing the top bolt back to spec..anyone tried putting it back in the car and tightening it under load? I got it off that way maybe it will go back on that way

i was able to tighten one of those bolts that got loose that way, but after tightening it a little it just started to spin. you can give it a try but i can't promise anything.

IDAHOSTI · 03-15-2007, 05:58 PM

Well I managed to torque the top bolt to 41 (as stated here, don't have a manual, is that correct???) by installing the strut back in the car, setting it down and turning nice and steady.

however the rears are a diff story as there is no access hole.

Maxed out the camber and ready for alignment

karr1008 · 03-15-2007, 06:26 PM

This is a good write up. Doing my springs as well, very soon.

ebelp · 03-16-2007, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nandanrp

So when putting the strut back together (the nut you take out for the bumpstops, and the nut for the strut top) is it possible to get a torque wrench on there? Or will it keep rotating while you try to torque it to spec?

Or do you just have to wing it with the impact gun?

I had no problem tightening that bolt down by hand. No impact gun is needed for any part of this install....convenient, but not needed.

**nandanrp** · 03-16-2007, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebelp

I had no problem tightening that bolt down by hand. No impact gun is needed for any part of this install....convenient, but not needed.

So the shaft didn't start to spin as you tightened by hand? That's good to know...

jutes85 · 03-16-2007, 02:25 PM

I used an airgun on everything, entire install took less than an hour.

FleaDog · 03-25-2007, 10:39 AM

Used this to put on tanabe's this weekend.

Tips:

I second the comment to loosen the 17mm nuts in the top hat before taking the spring/strut off. I used a long adjustable torque-bar/socket wrench (like a breaker bar but better) along with a 17mm extended length socket, worked like a charm. To get the nut all the way off, I used a large vice-lock pipe wrench, and clamped onto the socket, passed the allen wrench thru, and held that with another wrench... ghetto, but worked fine.

The 19mm nuts (bottom of the two) on the rear struts are a big pain... Cant get a socket over them b/c of the rear axles. I slipped a 19mm gear wrench over the nut, held the bolt with my torque-bar, and had to hammer on the wrench to get the nut loose... used plenty of pb-blaster too. BE careful if you do this to hold the gear wrench steady (I used a rag) b/c if it starts backing-off the nut and you whack it with the hammer, you will strip it.

Make sure the top hats are pointing in the right direction - towards the part of the strut that attaches to the knuckle, or you will have to twist it like crazy to line-it-up when you go to re-instal.

Dont forget to re-check lugs are good and tight when done.

03-14-2007, 07:55 PM	#83
IDAHOSTI STI Driver Car: 06 STI Location: Boise, ID Posts: 200 Join Date: Jun 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	In the process of doing this..however came across this idea that worked and am now passing on as a tip. Loosen the top 17mm bolt while it is still in the car. This eliminates the need for the allen wrench if you don't have an air impact. and as far as torquing the top bolt back to spec..anyone tried putting it back in the car and tightening it under load? I got it off that way maybe it will go back on that way Last edited by IDAHOSTI : 03-14-2007 at 07:59 PM.

03-25-2007, 10:39 AM	#90
FleaDog Professional STI Racer Car: 06 CGM/silver STI Fav Mod: DIY modding Location: Philadelphia Posts: 612 Join Date: Oct 2005 Trader Rating: (4)	Used this to put on tanabe's this weekend. Tips: I second the comment to loosen the 17mm nuts in the top hat before taking the spring/strut off. I used a long adjustable torque-bar/socket wrench (like a breaker bar but better) along with a 17mm extended length socket, worked like a charm. To get the nut all the way off, I used a large vice-lock pipe wrench, and clamped onto the socket, passed the allen wrench thru, and held that with another wrench... ghetto, but worked fine. The 19mm nuts (bottom of the two) on the rear struts are a big pain... Cant get a socket over them b/c of the rear axles. I slipped a 19mm gear wrench over the nut, held the bolt with my torque-bar, and had to hammer on the wrench to get the nut loose... used plenty of pb-blaster too. BE careful if you do this to hold the gear wrench steady (I used a rag) b/c if it starts backing-off the nut and you whack it with the hammer, you will strip it. Make sure the top hats are pointing in the right direction - towards the part of the strut that attaches to the knuckle, or you will have to twist it like crazy to line-it-up when you go to re-instal. Dont forget to re-check lugs are good and tight when done. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

03-12-2007, 12:22 AM	#77
supermarkus Spec C Club Car: 08 STi, SSM Location: Edmonds Washington Posts: 1,441 Join Date: Dec 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	k, check out the calf area for the seat bottom. then just above the seat bottoms for the seat backs.

03-13-2007, 09:29 PM	#79
supermarkus Spec C Club Car: 08 STi, SSM Location: Edmonds Washington Posts: 1,441 Join Date: Dec 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	GearWrenches FTW.

03-14-2007, 06:36 AM	#80
nandanrp Indiatr0n in yo IWDPL Car: 05FTW OBP STi Fav Mod: Brum Brum Location: downtown Chicago Posts: 48,830 Join Date: Jun 2004 Trader Rating: (11)	So when putting the strut back together (the nut you take out for the bumpstops, and the nut for the strut top) is it possible to get a torque wrench on there? Or will it keep rotating while you try to torque it to spec? Or do you just have to wing it with the impact gun?

03-14-2007, 06:51 AM	#81
T3h_Clap Wheel33tist Whore Car: Aspen White GDF-D Fav Mod: Pastelito Racing / SFSOC Location: 0R!4ND0 Posts: 21,323 Join Date: Dec 2004 Trader Rating: (5)	the bottom you can't do much but wing it on. the top nut, if you have an offset box wrench + allen key you should be able to get it tight.

03-14-2007, 07:04 AM	#82
nandanrp Indiatr0n in yo IWDPL Car: 05FTW OBP STi Fav Mod: Brum Brum Location: downtown Chicago Posts: 48,830 Join Date: Jun 2004 Trader Rating: (11)	^^^Well, a box wrench won't let you set it to specific torque specs either, so I guess impacting it on is the best bet Man, I hope I don't F those nuts up using the impact wrench 41 lb-ft is nothing!

03-15-2007, 05:58 PM	#85
IDAHOSTI STI Driver Car: 06 STI Location: Boise, ID Posts: 200 Join Date: Jun 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	Well I managed to torque the top bolt to 41 (as stated here, don't have a manual, is that correct???) by installing the strut back in the car, setting it down and turning nice and steady. however the rears are a diff story as there is no access hole. Maxed out the camber and ready for alignment

03-15-2007, 06:26 PM	#86
karr1008 The Next Petter Solberg Car: 06 WRB STI Fav Mod: STG2+/Swaybars/RCE blacks coming soon Location: STI endangered species la Posts: 910 Join Date: Jul 2006 Trader Rating: (2)	This is a good write up. Doing my springs as well, very soon.

03-16-2007, 02:25 PM	#89
jutes85 Silver Member Car: 2006 OBP STi Fav Mod: DOM3 Paperweight Location: Alberta Posts: 1,426 Join Date: Sep 2006 Trader Rating: (7)	I used an airgun on everything, entire install took less than an hour.