4.2 Replacing Rear Springs - Guidance Please

[tash2007]

hi,

1 spring snapped at top, on rear of my 02 d4d 4.2.

ride is ok but a bit low on 1 side

looking about Sachs are on special at the local parts factors, anyone got an opinion?

But mainly:-

what's the job like? haynes says lower shocker mount and roll bar drop links need undoing to gain access - that's the bit I'm not looking forward to - any tips/gotchas/guidance/help most welcome

cheers :D

Jim

[firemac]

hi,

1 spring snapped at top, on rear of my 02 d4d 4.2.

ride is ok but a bit low on 1 side

looking about Sachs are on special at the local parts factors, anyone got an opinion?

But mainly:-

what's the job like? haynes says lower shocker mount and roll bar drop links need undoing to gain access - that's the bit I'm not looking forward to - any tips/gotchas/guidance/help most welcome

cheers :D

Jim

Hi Jim,

Although I've not done the job myself, we've had osr spring snap on both of our RAV's within about 3 months of each other. Mr. T replaced both: elapsed time for each,in & out, was about an hour and a half. Admittedly fully equiped garages but that might give you an indication of complexity.

Rgds,

Jim

[crofter]

Whatcha,Jim.

Not changed springs on a RAV yet but one thing you will find you need is a pair of spring compressors.

Most auto shops will stock these for about £10 to £12,not the best,but hey,how many springs are you likely to change?

All the best to you for when you do this job

Del

[tash2007]

hey del

mmm Hyanes makes no mention of spring compressors on rear at least... you thinking of front struts or some other coilover types?

Cheers

Jim

[crofter]

hey del

mmm Hyanes makes no mention of spring compressors on rear at least... you thinking of front struts or some other coilover types?

Cheers

Jim

Even if the car is held up with stands under the body and the wheels and suspension hanging free, the spring will still be under tension so I would assume that you would still have to compress the spring to allow you to line up all the parts when you reassmble.

Anyone who knows different is invited to jump in here and put Jim right.

Del

[tash2007]

Hey Del,

As in my first post the Haynes mentions undoing the bottom shock mount and the ARB link - I presume this allows the hub/driveshaft to lower even further and allow the spring to be removed/inserted?

If there's a way of doing this without undoing those crusty old fasteners I'd be most interested to hear :thumbsup:

Cheers

Jim

[anchorman]

This might help. Be sure to mark any bolts before removing as they set the rear geometry;

rear spring.pdf

[crofter]

This might help. Be sure to mark any bolts before removing as they set the rear geometry;

rear spring.pdf

Is this where I say"I'll get my coat"and slink off.

[anchorman]

It will still be under tension and it pays to give a road spring some respect so stay where you are Del.

[tash2007]

This might help. Be sure to mark any bolts before removing as they set the rear geometry;

rear spring.pdf

thanks Anchorman, tho how much of that is strictly necessary for spring changes and how much is for removal of yeer actual suspension arm(s)? :unsure:

Cheers

Jim

[anchorman]

Only enough to release the spring from the trailing arm

[tash2007]

ok then I'll try the Haynes method

Jim

[dognobbler]

Hi Jim

Just done mine very simple job 30 mins a side .jack body up and support , jack under trailing arm to take weight and remove lower shocker bolt and remove lower shocker from trailing arm. Remove drop link ball joint and then lower jack under trailing arm then spring will be released.Hope this helps.

[tash2007]

hi

yup that sounds like "le method Haynes" alright

Cheers

jim