Compressing Springs (Front end)

[Odoyle]

I'm trying to remove the springs on the front suspension and am having trouble getting the internal spring compressor to compresses the spring enough. I'v read that there is a method where you remove the top control arm and release the pressure of the spring with a hydraulic floor jack. Has anyone tried this with any success?

[Odoyle]

Has anyone used a tool like this --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ytWwUdA-r8#t=27 I know its on a mercedes benz couldn't the same application be used on fiat springs?

[RRoller123]

You don't have to compress the spring entirely to make it loose in the holder. Put the jack under the lower ball joint to relieve the pressure and then pull the bottom bolt and slowly lower the jack and the spring falls right out. Be GD careful as a loaded spring contains a huge amount of potential energy and can cause quite some harm. I am sure others can add some detail to this, I haven't done it in a couple of years.

[garion]

I ran into a problem where I had compressed the spring, but still would not come out. It turned out that my bushings in the lower control arm were ripped, and were not letting the arm swing all the way down. Once I realized this, I loosened the nuts on the lower control arm pivot to let it swing more freely. When I did that, the (still) compressed spring was able to come out.

[Odoyle]

You don't have to compress the spring entirely to make it loose in the holder. Put the jack under the lower ball joint to relieve the pressure and then pull the bottom bolt and slowly lower the jack and the spring falls right out. Be GD careful as a loaded spring contains a huge amount of potential energy and can cause quite some harm. I am sure others can add some detail to this, I haven't done it in a couple of years.

So your saying I need remove the lower control arm bolt while the spring is compressed, then lower the jack. I ask because I'v heard of a similar method where you remove the bolt from the upper control which lets the lower control arm swing down and release the spring. Problem is when I tried to remove the the bolt on the upper control arm the wheel well plastic part didn't allow for enough clearance to pull the bolt without cutting the wheel well.

[RRoller123]

I think it is the lower that needs to be released, the upper could cause the whole thing to come out at you. Someone else needs to chime in on this, as there is a safety issue at hand.

This is as far as I could get the spring compressed, with a piece of black iron pipe to extend the reach.

[RRoller123]

And you do need to remove the plastic wheel well liners; very easy, not an issue, just about 6 small bolts or so. Good time to check them and replace with SS, tap out new if needed.

[spider2081]

I make sure the car is high enough to let the lower control arm swing all the way down with out hitting the ground. With jack stands at front jack points.

Remove plastic wheel liner.
Loosen the lower control arm swing bolt nuts.
Remove the sway bar from the car.
Remove the shock
put floor jack under lower control arm where shock mounts. and put pressure on control arm.
Disconnect upper ball joint.
Lower jack slowly all the way
Pop spring out with a pry bar.
Note: IF you feel safer after shock is removed you could install the internal spring compressor and slightly compress spring.
Then position the floor jack more under the lower ball joint and lower. The spring will then be free in the space.

For me its important to have the car high enough for the lower control arm to swing all the way down with out hitting the floor. The lower swing bolt nuts must be loosened.

other may have another way that works for them.

[RRoller123]

Yes now I do remember that I had to jack the car way up so the lower arm could swing down far enough to allow the spring to clear. Good advice.

[Odoyle]

Success!

Neither ball joint are moving Even with a torch and pickle fork Im encountering serious resistance.

And how do I remove this rod so I can replace the bushings?

[4uall]

I had a similar issue, mine were fused in Used a Sawzall and then a torch

http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php ... l&start=15

[4uall]

FYI for future reference

http://www.autoricambi.us/cgi/commerce. ... ement.html

[spider2081]

I hope others can make suggestions.
I believe the area of the spindle where the ball joint stud passes through needs to be placed on a very solid surface. Like the top of an anvil or vice. Then strike the other side with a large hammer. Some have luck holding a large hammer on one side and striking the other side of the spindle.
Although it worked I think using a sawzall is a little unconventional.

[focodave]

My advice is to take the steering knuckle/spindle/ball joint assembly to someone who has a big-boy acetelene torch and have them heat it to set it free.
I tried everything I could to get mine free, in-situ, and it just did not want to come off (see my post):
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... on+anxiety
To those who have not had trouble seperating a ball joint from the knuckle, it may seem hard to beleive that it takes extreme measures to get stubborn ones to come free sometimes.

[4uall]

I hear ya however, sometimes we are left no choice







these are tapered from the inside (small) to the out (larger) so be sure to hit out towards larger opening