Use spring compressor to remove rear springs?

[e34 530]

Quick and definitely stupid question. Do I have to use a spring compressor to remove the rear springs to change the strut mount?? Never worked on the e28 rears before. Stock suspension btw.

Thanks, Andrew

[ppressle]

Yes

[Mike W.]

It's not necessary, but most do it that way. Not me however.

You can block the car up on stands, then jack up one wheel so it's just compressing the spring a little bit, remove the 17 nut(s) on the top of the shaft, then lower it. The spring will fully extend with no load on it and you can then remove the lower shock mount. Then change the top mount. Installation is the reverse, you just have to kind of thread the needle getting the top of the shock back in. Good gas shocks it's easy. Worn out non gas becomes more difficult. I've got a spring compressor and that's the way I do it. Now the fronts do need a spring compressor with stock springs, no cheating there.

[fewofm]

In case you are not aware, many places, such as Advanced Auto Parts have loan tools, including spring compressors available.

[euro635gas]

It's not necessary, but most do it that way. Not me however.

You can block the car up on stands, then jack up one wheel so it's just compressing the spring a little bit, remove the 17 nut(s) on the top of the shaft, then lower it. The spring will fully extend with no load on it and you can then remove the lower shock mount. Then change the top mount. Installation is the reverse, you just have to kind of thread the needle getting the top of the shock back in. Good gas shocks it's easy. Worn out non gas becomes more difficult. I've got a spring compressor and that's the way I do it. Now the fronts do need a spring compressor with stock springs, no cheating there.

You sir are very talented

[Karl Grau]

I've never used one unless JBort's arms count.
They aren't under much tension and I just use a impact to loosen the big nut.