How do you remove coil spring from a 1990 Chevy Caprice?

Answer 1

Another question easily found in an inexpensive Chilton or Haynes repair manual. This project is NOT for the inexperienced home mechanic! It can be DANGEROUS!! First, you will need a special tool called a "coil spring compressor."There are several designs of these tools and they can be rented from most tool & equipment rental businesses. Look for the ones that have safety chains to help prevent injury if the spring or the tool slips while attempting to remove it. You will also need a floorjack, jackstands, tie rod & ball joint separators (for the front suspension). All listed in the repair manuals with the specific procedures for your car. Generally....(presuming front suspension) Support the car securely with jackstands. Remove the wheel. Remove brake assembly as needed (disc). Remove swaybar. Support lower control arm with jack (just until car starts to raise off of jackstands) and loosen lower balljoint nut. Secure spring compressor tool to spring and tighten until spring begins to collapse. Slowly lower control arm and separate balljoint stud from spindle using proper tool. Or one can try tapping on side of boss on spindle with heavy hammer to vibrate it loose. Be carefull not to damage the threads on balljoint stud and to have all pressure released from spring as it could pop out when balljoint stud is freed. Once the balljoint stud is freed from the boss, lower and remove jack from under control arm. Push control arm down to allow clearance to remove the spring. You may or may not need to separate the tie-rod end for clearance. Carefully compress the spring slightly further only if needed at this point. Note spring placement in cup where the end of the spring rests (Replace into same position). When you have the spring removed, measure the overall height/length. Slowly release the tension on the compressor tool and apply tool to replacement spring compressing it to same measurement. Install the spring into the proper location. Reverse procedure for re-asssembly. **If balljoint grease boot is damaged, replace balljoint. Always get wheels re-aligned after any suspension work involving separation of tie-rods or balljoints. Always wear safety glasses for automotive repairs.