Coil Spring Removal Question

[Beaverseagle]

Hello all,

This is my first time removing any kind of front coil springs. I bought the best compressor Eastwood had because the thing looked really safe and beefy.  It does seem very safe worth the 150 bucks compared to the stuff I've seen at the chain stores.

I was reading through the removal steps.  I'm rebuilding the front end I have the steering knuckle completely off the car.  I removed the shock. 

The steps say to put the compressor on and compress the spring a bit, jack up the car, remove the tire, then unbolt the lower coil container. Then compress the spring until it comes loose and slide it out with the lower spring retainer.  Is that correct?

I'm wondering if I can should just compress the spring until it clears the lower spring retainer then pull it out?

Just a bit nervous about doing this so I want to know how you guys have done it.

Thanks!

[Taylor]

Seems like your about half way there. I used a loaner spring compressor from Advance Auto. It wasn’t too difficult to remove. Just be very careful.

[rmick]

Yes the original tool attached to the lower spring retainer using the holes that the shock mounts to thats why th manual says to remove the retainer..  The tool you have will allow you to compress spring and remove it without removing the spring retainer. https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/HHoAAMXQROxRfK~E/s-l1600.jpg

[Beaverseagle]

UPdate:  I finally got the springs out.  I actually saw a video of someone removing a classic mustang suspension which is very similar to the Eagle and figured out how this works.

The eastwood tool worked great and was very safe. I had no issues of it slipping.  However, the tool isn't the best one to use for this type of suspension.  It's is the most common type out there. https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-macpherson-strut-and-coil-spring-compressor.html

If you use this type of tool try the following steps. Fyi I had the wheel removed and the car was on jack stands:

1. remove the shock
2. install the spring compression tool. Only snug the tool to the spring as a safety measure as you follow the rest of the steps.
3. Remove the two nuts from both spring seat spindle. The spring seat spindle is bolted to the upper control arm.
4. Compress the spring with the spring compressor. As the spring compresses, the spring seat will loosen.
5. Once the spring is compressed enough, You should be able to pull the spring out with the spring seat.  You might need to use a pry bar to push the upper control arm down to clear the spring seat spindle bolts.
6. slowly loosen the spring compressor to release the tension on the spring.

I hope this helps the noobs out there like me.