Write-Up:How to Install New Springs on a CRX

JustRob
Posts: 7884
Joined: Sat Nov 18, 2006 7:28 pm

Write-Up:How to Install New Springs on a CRX

Post by JustRob »

Ok, I figured I'd do a write-up for the site on how to install new springs on a CRX. If anyone sees anything wrong or if you have an addition, LMK. I will post how I did the rear tomorrow.

Tools Needed
Socket Wrench
12mm, 14mm, 17mm, and 19mm sockets
14mm and 17mm open ended wrenchs
5/6mm allen wrench

Front

1)Loosen the lug nuts on the front two wheels.
2)Raise the vehicle and place it securely on jack stands.
3)Remove wheels.
Image
4)Undo the two 12mm bolts that hold the brake line to the strut. You may need a 10 inch extension for one of the bolts.
Image
5)Undo the 14mm bolt at the top of the horseshoe.
Image
6)Loosen the two 14mm strut hat bolts. You may need a deep well 14mm.
Image
7)Undo the 17mm nut and bolt at the bottom of the horseshoe that connects to the lower control arm.
Image
Image
8)Slide off the horseshoe.
Image
9)Undo the 14mm strut hat bolts while holding the strut.
10)Carefully slide the strut under the upper control arm and around the brake lines.
11)Undo the 14mm nut holding the strut hat to the strut by using a 5/6mm allen wrench and a 14mm open ended wrench. Hold the allen wrench in place while undoing the 14mm nut.
Image
12)Carefully remove the nut, gold washer, and strut hat. Be sure to remember the order they came off in.
Image
13)Swap springs.
14)Reassemble the strut and guide it back throught the shock tower.
15)Thread the 14mm strut hat bolts onto the strut.
16)Before sliding the horseshoe on, make sure that the divot on the strut is turned completely away from you.
17)Slide the horseshoe back on to the strut watching to make sure the divot on the strut lines up with the hole for the top 14mm bolt.
18)From here, installation is reverse of the removal.
19)Make sure everything is tight, drop the car back on the ground and take it for a drive to get the springs to settle.
Image
User avatar
mike
Posts: 946
Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2006 10:53 pm

Write-Up:How to Install New Springs on a CRX

Post by mike »

nice.... those coilovers look sexy
Signature removed please contact any moderator.
JustRob
Posts: 7884
Joined: Sat Nov 18, 2006 7:28 pm

Write-Up:How to Install New Springs on a CRX

Post by JustRob »

mike;20097 wrote:nice.... those coilovers look sexy
Yeah, I just took them off though. The front just didn't want to lower the car at all.
JustRob
Posts: 7884
Joined: Sat Nov 18, 2006 7:28 pm

Write-Up:How to Install New Springs on a CRX

Post by JustRob »

Bump. I'll be updating this with detailed pictures of the rear soon.
User avatar
Spork
Posts: 6680
Joined: Thu Nov 16, 2006 12:52 am

Write-Up:How to Install New Springs on a CRX

Post by Spork »

Also note, that this is the same for all 88-00 civics, and 90+ integras
This post comes with a guarantee: I guarantee that I don't care what you think about it.
ChrisD_EJ8
Posts: 38
Joined: Sun May 25, 2008 1:12 am

Write-Up:How to Install New Springs on a CRX

Post by ChrisD_EJ8 »

I may be wrong about this but Isn't it a good idea to load the suspension before tightening it? I lowered my car about three years ago and the rear control arm bushings make squeaking noises and I believe its because I didn't load the suspension before i tightened everything.
JustRob
Posts: 7884
Joined: Sat Nov 18, 2006 7:28 pm

Write-Up:How to Install New Springs on a CRX

Post by JustRob »

ChrisD_EJ8;118002 wrote:I may be wrong about this but Isn't it a good idea to load the suspension before tightening it? I lowered my car about three years ago and the rear control arm bushings make squeaking noises and I believe its because I didn't load the suspension before i tightened everything.
Uhh, WAT?

Are you talking about using a spring compressor? The reason why this wasn't mention is because one lowering spring was coming off and another was going on.

I need to update this fo' sho'.
ChrisD_EJ8
Posts: 38
Joined: Sun May 25, 2008 1:12 am

Write-Up:How to Install New Springs on a CRX

Post by ChrisD_EJ8 »

I apologize for not making this question more clear. For example, when putting the rear suspension back together, should you put it all back together without tightening any bolts in the lower control arms, then lower the car down with the wheels on so that there is a weight load on the suspension, then tighten down the suspension that way the bushings dont wear out. I'm sorry if that question turned into a statement, i just wasnt sure how to word it.

Another choice would be to put the suspension back together then jack up the control arms or under the drum or disc to compress the suspension as if it were sitting on the ground, then tighten the bolts. I've heard this will keep the bushings from wearing out.

I lowered my car without loading the suspension about 3 years ago and now all of the bushings in the control arms make squeaking noises when the suspension moves.
User avatar
Waffles
Posts: 6876
Joined: Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:45 am

Write-Up:How to Install New Springs on a CRX

Post by Waffles »

I would think that would cause the bolts to bind in the bushings giving false readings when torquing to spec.
Image
ChrisD_EJ8
Posts: 38
Joined: Sun May 25, 2008 1:12 am

Write-Up:How to Install New Springs on a CRX

Post by ChrisD_EJ8 »

btlfedgolf;118131 wrote:I would think that would cause the bolts to bind in the bushings giving false readings when torquing to spec.
I want to make sure I understand this correctly. You think Pre-loading suspension would give false readings?

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I would think that if your suspension is hanging off of the ground and you were to tighten it, it would cause the bolts to bind more in the bushings when your suspension does compress and settle. I would think there would be less binding if you would tighten your suspension in a position that your car would be sitting.