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Is a loose rear spring normal?

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Old Nov 20, 2020 | 11:32 PM
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Default Is a loose rear spring normal?



My rear spring bolt doesnt even put any tension on the spring. Is this right? I think the previous owner may have been a bit of a shady mechanic.

Last edited by Jd21476; Nov 21, 2020 at 12:06 AM.
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Old Nov 21, 2020 | 01:51 AM
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you don't say, in this photo is the car on jackstands or a floorjack??? if so, looks normal for a car with extra length bolts for lower ride height.
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Old Nov 21, 2020 | 02:23 AM
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The car is on jack stands but even when its on the ground they sit about the same. Should they at least be somewhat tight?
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Old Nov 21, 2020 | 02:53 AM
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if the car is on the ground, they WILL be tight. or your sitting on the bump stops.

should look like this on the ground. if not, what's holding your car up??
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Old Nov 21, 2020 | 09:12 AM
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That's a "low arch" spring so they are fairly flat when resting (compared to the stock steel spring or a "regular" glass one) and when lifted, the TA hangs down far enough to take the pressure off
Here's mine on the quickjack



And then with the car on the ground


If you have that bolt loose when the car is on the ground then something is really screwed up with the shocks or something that is holding the car up instead of the spring
M

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Old Nov 21, 2020 | 10:18 AM
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So how do I know how far to tighten it while in the air. I guess I can just match the other side for now
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Old Nov 21, 2020 | 10:42 AM
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Yeah pretty much, make sure you use new nylock nuts or that there is a cotter pin in the bottom of the bolt.
Once it's on the ground with a tank of fuel you can adjust it, putting the nut on farther raises the car
M

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Old Nov 22, 2020 | 11:11 AM
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Also it looks like you're loosing brake fluid onto the right rear tire.
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Old Nov 22, 2020 | 11:27 AM
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Yeah, my brake line in the rear is just capped off with an old piece of brake like that bent. I ordered new lines and Im waiting for them to arrive.
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