So Fix it

How to Replace the Front Coil Springs on a 1972 Cutlass

A vehicles coil springs take up less space than leaf springs and are also quieter than leaf springs. When a coil spring breaks, you might end up with two independent springs. This could pose a problem when performing repairs because one spring is on top of the other. The top portion of the spring might not be accessible, and it could still be under extreme pressure. You can remove a coil spring in yourself in a series of steps. Just do the job caully and precisely to prevent injury.

Instructions

1

Park the 1972 Cutlass on solid ground and block the wheels. Jack up the car. Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts. Remove the nuts and the wheel from the hub that needs the spring replaced.

2

Place a 4-inch by 4-inch block under the lower A-arm ball joint. Lower the jack so the car is supported both by the block and the jack. Unscrew the top shock nut and remove the lower shock bolts. Remove the shock from the center of the spring.

3

Insert a spring compressor inside the center of the coil spring. Hook the top and bottom of the spring compressor to a coil. Tighten the spring compressor nut to compress the coil spring and relieve pressure on the A-arms.

4

Pull the cotter pin out of the castle nut of the top ball joint using a pair of pliers. Use a socket and ratchet to remove the ball joint nut from the upper ball joint.

5

Slide a pickle fork between the spindle and upper ball joint. Smack the pickle fork end with a hammer until the spindle pops off the ball joint shaft.

6

Raise the jack slowly. Let the spindle fall to the side and release all the pressure from the spring. With all the pressure off the coil spring, lift it out of the lower A-arm.

7

Release the spring compressor from the old spring backing down the nut. Install the spring compressor onto the new spring to be installed. Slide the new spring up inside the frame of the 1972 Cutlass.

8

Lower the jack until the upper ball joint can be inserted into the top spindle hole. Push the ball joint shaft through the top spindle hole. Re-Install the castle nut to the upper ball joint. Slowly release the coil spring compressor.

9

Tighten the upper ball joint castle nut to the ball joint and insert the cotter pin. Raise the car with the jack and replace the wheel. Reinstall and tighten the five lug nuts on the hub of the 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass.

Posted by Unknown at 1:30 PM

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