Probably a stupid question. How to fit Apex springs - 172

[len_beach]

This is probably a daft question but it's better to know what you are up against.
I have just received my Apex springs for my 172, what is involved in fitment?
I have removed struts and fitted numerous front springs on Vauxhalls but have never done a Renault.
Do I simply disengage the track rod ends, disengage the bottom ball joints, undo the strut top nuts, disconnect the ABS loom then fit as usual?
I have never tackled the rear on any car but I presume I simply undo the rear beam then raise the car?
Thanks in advance kids. Sorry for being speshal

 

[Fred@BTM]

easy peasy

rear, undo the 2 18mm bolts on the bottom of the shocks, jack up, replace springs, done

front loosen 21mm top caps, jack up + remove wheels, undo 2 x 21mm bottom strut bolts, remove strut, undo 17mm top retaining nut NO NEED FOR SPRING COMPRESSORS!! wack on new spring job done

 

[ben_p]

sont have to do all that, juz remove the top mount n the 2 bolts holding the shock, then remove springs n pun new ones on, no need fot trasck rod etc

 

[ben_p]

i didnt mean do do what fred said lol, i ment what was originally posted, was postin at the same time .lol

 

[Fred@BTM]

no need to remove rear wheels either

 

[ben_p]

no need to remove rear wheels either

or headrests iirc

 

[ben_p]

or headrests iirc

sorry no need to remove glove box too

 

[len_beach]

Superb guys. It sounds really easy.
Why is there no need for spring compressors though? Is it due to the shorter length of the new springs?
Will the original springs not jump off of the strut when I undo the top nut?
I might give it a crack this evening if it is that easy.

 

[len_beach]

sorry no need to remove glove box too

I wasn't sure on that Ben. Someone mentioned that the drivers side door handling may be a sticking point but I just wanted to clarify.

 

[Fred@BTM]

the std springs are the perfect length for the std shocks

TRUST ME on this, you don't need them (use them if you want, but you'll be just wasting your time)

 

[len_beach]

the std springs are the perfect length for the std shocks

TRUST ME on this, you don't need them (use them if you want, but you'll be just wasting your time)

I trust your judgement Fred. That is what I wanted to hear as my current spring compressors are bowed. The joys of fitting springs to an Astra diesel, they were rated at about 500lb's I think LOL.

 

[ant]

sorry to dig this up but my apex springs arrived this morn.

so len, did you do 'em? was it easy? did the standard front spring nearly take your head off when you undid it?

 

[fizzy_drink]

Agree with Fred: No compressors needed for the fronts....


....I could have saved a lot of time had I listened to him.

 

[Fred@BTM]

no one listens to me mate, i know nothing........
































yeah whatever!!

 

[ant]

i've taken it in!

just need a decent day to do it now

 

[miketheman2k]

Biggest f**ker on this job are the front top mounts. I had to get mine air-gunned off after destroying 3 alan keys.

 

[Fred@BTM]

^^soak them in WD40 48hrs prior to removal normally helps, but yes, they can be a b*****d

 

[miketheman2k]

Fred, when you re-tighten the top mounts, how do you stop the strut top from spinning around (the bit directly under the top mount, but on the other side of the bodywork)?

 

[ant]

doesn't look like i'll be doing it till next year!!

i'll start soaking them now then.

 

[biojo]

miketheman2k
fronts
2 choices use a inpact gun , or allen key n swan necked spanner,
rears
inpact gun , prolly could use spanner, carnt remember with allen key or mole grips,

fred will clerify it , he did mine :d

 

[Fred@BTM]

the fronts only need to be nipped up slightly by hand, you do it too hard you spin the top capon the spring and the spring pops out

rears, do em by hand, nip em up

sod the torque settings

only use power tools to remove stuff

 

[ant]

just been out and had a look at the top mounts.

lets just say they look like they may need a little persuasion!!

 

[ant]

how much do you charge fred? lol!!

 

[len_beach]

They were easy. The only real problem I had was getting the bolts back through the lower strut itself on the near side as I couldn't lower the wishbone enough to line the holes up. After popping the CV off, grazing my knuckles and sweraing loads, I jumped on the disk and my brother got a screw driver through the top hole.

 

[biojo]

u got a pic of it finished, len

daze, think he charges 50-60 dont quote me on that though

 

[len_beach]

I'll get you a few when i've cleaned it tomorrow.

 

[Fred@BTM]

£40 is what i charge, save yourself some hassle!!!!!!!! BTW i've now done 55 clios!!!!!

 

[theduck]

i've got cash waiting for you to do mine if you'd answer my pm!

 

[ant]

£40 is what i charge, save yourself some hassle!!!!!!!! BTW i've now done 55 clios!!!!!

that all? hmmmmmm.

i'll mail you - might have some wheels to be powdercoated too.
i'll just get new year out of the way

 

[len_beach]

As promised, a quick side on shot.

 

[ant]

fred - pm'd you mate.

 

[ant]

thanks to fred for fitting my apex's today

i can confirm you don't need spring compressors lol!!

 

[ant]

felt nice driving home too - much more solid.

 

[len_beach]

Pics mate?

 

[ant]

i'll wait till they've settled and i've got my new wheels on