HELP! Trying to install rear coil springs.

[rph74]

How do I lower the rear control arm? I am trying to replace the air springs with coil springs, and I can't see how I will be able to fit the coil spring in there without lowering the control arm. I measured 9¾ inches between the top and bottom spring pads, and the length of the spring, including the end of the spring compressor is around 12 inches right now.

Any help is appreciated!

[JCL]

With a spring compressor that works from the side, not through the centre of the spring. Only safe way to do it. I've never done rear springs on an X5, but it is a fairly standard job.

Rent one if you don't own one, any tool store will have them.

Do you have the shock disconnected?

[oztme]

Originally Posted by JCL

With a spring compressor that works from the side, not through the centre of the spring. Only safe way to do it. I've never done rear springs on an X5, but it is a fairly standard job.

Rent one if you don't own one, any tool store will have them.

Do you have the shock disconnected?

Hi JCL + others,

Sorry for resurrecting this thread.

I'm installing BC racing coilovers on my E53. I don't have airsprings. THe coilover has a spring on it, so I need to remove the factory spring from the rear.

I've pulled the shock off, disconnected sways, but still can't drop the swingarm low enough to get the spring out of compression so I can pull it out.
I have a spring compressor (like in your photo), but can't get enough access around the spring while it's on the car. The spring compressor fouls the wheel arch etc.
Bit stumped. The bmw manual
BMW Workshop Manuals > X Series E53 X5 4.4i (M62) OFFRD > 2 Repair Instructions > 33 Rear Axle > 53 Springs With Suspension > 2 RA Removing And Installing_replacing Rear Left Or Right Coil Spring

says to pull the caliper,guide arm, control arm, and integral arm off to free the spring. I CAN do this, but it seems like a PITA, and I don't have the ideal tools...

Cheers + thanks,
Scott.

[rph74]

Yes, I did disconnect the shock. I decided to throw in the towel, and pay a shop $200 to do this for me. Know when to say when.

As an aside, I threw in some "Green Slime" tire sealant into my bad air spring, and it is holding for now. Hopefully get the coils put in next week.

[rph74]

Engz-I tried to respond to your PM about the Green Slime trick, but the system said you have too many messages to accept.

To answer, it would be best to follow the air spring diy-see post #8 on this:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...pring-diy.html

With the air spring removed, simply inject the Tire Slime ( I call it Green Slime because it's green) into the hole that fills the air spring. Roll the air spring around, so that the slime can fill the hole. Alternatively, you could attempt to inject the slime with the air spring still on the car, but you would be unable to work it all over the spring. If the leak is at the bottom, you may be in luck however.

I didn't give this repair much time, because I had the coil springs put in about 1 week later. The slime did indeed hold though! A buddy of mine says he put tire slime on his riding lawn mower tires, and he hasn't had to put air in them for about 5 years now! So theoretically, this might hold long term!

Maybe you could be the guinea pig and show others the way on this.

[peperonalmes]

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[oztme]

Mods: please delete this spammer post by pepronalmes

[oztme]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for messages etc. I figured out how to do it.

I jacked up the swing arm as high as it would go, compressing the rear spring in place in the car. Then I got some chain and a couple of shackles, and chained the spring together in it's compressed state.

I then removed the top plug from the spring from inside the boot (from above)...

Then dropped the swingarm away, and the spring was free! Took the spring off the car, then compressed again with spring compressor, off the car; undid the chain and shackles, and undid the spring compressors.

All good. Airbags are in. Coilovers are in. Adjustment etc tomorrow..
Cheers,
Scott