Removing composite rear spring
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Johnsburg IL
Removing composite rear spring
As always, greatly appreciate the forum members suggestions!
I am removing composite rear spring and do not see a good spot to place a c-clamp? I read you can use wood to protect the finish but it would seam the clamp would not have much to hold on to.
The metal end does not really provide room for a clamp and still be able to remove the bolt. Suggestions on where / how to clamp to stop the jack from possibly slipping appreciated.
I am removing composite rear spring and do not see a good spot to place a c-clamp? I read you can use wood to protect the finish but it would seam the clamp would not have much to hold on to.
The metal end does not really provide room for a clamp and still be able to remove the bolt. Suggestions on where / how to clamp to stop the jack from possibly slipping appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 0
From: Olive Branch MS
St. Jude Contributor
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 541
Likes: 5
From: Epping NH
I just replaced a 7-leaf steel spring with a 9-leaf steel spring (correct for my car) and found the task pretty straight forward. I assume a composite spring would respond like a steel spring when being removed and installed.
I cut a 2 x 4 to approximately half the length of the spring, (from the outside edge of the spring mounting bracket to several inches from the spring bolt hole at the end of the spring) and using my floor jack, I raised the far end of the spring enough to remove the bolts and hardware. The 2 x 4 wedged itself up against the bracket and could not slip.
After installing the new spring at the differential, I repeated the process. Everything lined up perfectly and the bolts were in before I knew it. BTW, I used liberal amounts of copper "never seize" on all bolts and between the new poly bushings. So far no squeeking from the rear and the nut can be turned by hand.
I had my C-clamp ready for use but never needed it. Of course, your mileage may vary. Good luck.
Mark
I cut a 2 x 4 to approximately half the length of the spring, (from the outside edge of the spring mounting bracket to several inches from the spring bolt hole at the end of the spring) and using my floor jack, I raised the far end of the spring enough to remove the bolts and hardware. The 2 x 4 wedged itself up against the bracket and could not slip.
After installing the new spring at the differential, I repeated the process. Everything lined up perfectly and the bolts were in before I knew it. BTW, I used liberal amounts of copper "never seize" on all bolts and between the new poly bushings. So far no squeeking from the rear and the nut can be turned by hand.
I had my C-clamp ready for use but never needed it. Of course, your mileage may vary. Good luck.
Mark
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,405
Likes: 791
From: Redondo Beach, California
Originally Posted by lostpatrolman
I put the car up in the air, then grab the very end of the spring with the jack. It doesnt take much pressure to take the load off the bolt.
Taking the composite spring off and on is no-where the hassle of the steel spring.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
You can unload your spring without using a jack. take a 2x4 piece of wood and place it on the strut rod and use it as a prybar to take pressure off the spring. Do the reverse to load the spring. Got the tip from BAIRS corvette 100 point inspection video.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
