View Single Post
  #17  
Old 10-14-2011, 07:52 PM
vstech's Avatar
vstech vstech is online now
DD MOD, HVAC,MCP,Mac,GMAC
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Mount Holly, NC
Posts: 27,028
Quote:
Originally Posted by treetrimmer View Post
You definitely do not need to remove the springs to R&R the GRMs. That's bad information on a DIY site, R&Ring the springs can be an extremely dangerous procedure for an amateur/home mechanic. There are at least a couple ways to get the clearance to change the GRMs, my favorite is the *ratchet strap method* to pull forward the spindle/front wheel. Like many other suspension jobs, it's no big deal with the proper skills/tools/equipment and absolute masochistic hell w/o all of the above.

I'm sorry to hear about these Lemforder mounts. The quality of all parts has been taking a schit lately, including dealer supplied parts. NOTHING is what it used to be, and I'm talking about even 1 year ago. Thank globalism for that, I guess...

That said, I would not put anything Meyle on my cars unless it was an extremely insignificant part. I have seen someone get (2) identical defective brake MCs in a row in Meyle boxes. I could probably make better parts in my bathtub.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 79Mercy View Post
This is very bad info. If your guide rod mounts are bad please dont try replacing them without properly pulling the spring out. The "ratchet strap method" is a accident waiting to happen, i have put the method to the test once before.
I hope you don't think he was recommending using a ratchet strap to compress a spring!!!
he's not! he's saying that if you are JUST changing out the body mounted bushing, spring compression is not needed. just unbolt the bushing, and push the part forward/use a ratchet strap to hold it still, and unscrew the bushing from the rod. then reverse. if the MOUNT that is under the spring is in need of repair/replacement, then of course spring compression is needed.


Quote:
Originally Posted by treetrimmer View Post
I'll have to respectfully disagree. R&Ring coil springs, (or any sprung component), is among the most dangerous procedures in auto repair. There is the potential for death or disfiguring injury happening in less time than it takes to type the word "oops". I've replaced the GRMs on both 123 and 126 cars w/o removing the spring or using ratchet straps more than once. They are not a big deal if you know WTF you're doing. I've also seen techs use a ratchet strap to hold the front wheel in forward position with no damage to anything. It's simply holding it as far forward as it will go under reasonable tension. We are not understanding each other, apparently.

Go ahead and do it any way that you want. I see advice on these BBSs, (not this one in particular), from amateurs that is nothing less than a Darwin award waiting to happen. It makes me shiver.
__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!
Reply With Quote