This is going to sound a bit daft, but I haven't used a trolley jack for more than ten years. Which point do you put it on, given that I need to put the axle stands on the jacking point?

Mad Matt said:

This is going to sound a bit daft, but I haven't used a trolley jack for more than ten years. Which point do you put it on, given that I need to put the axle stands on the jacking point?

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I use the jacking points for the trolley jack and then put the axle stands on the end of the suspension trailing arm..........you could (in theory) put the axle stands on the floor and spread the weight using a short, stout section of wood?

If you are going to do one side at a time put two axle stands on one side relatively close together with a broad, thick plank of wood between them and spread the load even further?

:stupid: eace:

Coil overs on a Barchetta.

Thanks for the help!

docorangepeel said:

:stupid: eace:

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Well the back is done! Took six hours, didn't help me doing up rather than un-doing while upside down!

Now for the fronts.... more tomorrow

Six hours to do the backs !!!!!!! Its only 4 bolts !!! Nice one 4 having a go yourself, keep at it.

Good man - how many snapped bolts?

No snapped bolts...... yet! Some time was lost due to too much rain (I don't mind getting a bit wet but..) then I lost a bit more trying to work out how to remove the springs.

I've got a set of spring clamps but they take forever to do up and un-do. I think the second side only took an hour and a half.

Having had a car fall on me once I'm also a bit nervous about going all the way under, so I probably could have saved some time by being in the right place.

A question: The bottom of the spring fit into cups. Mine seem a bit the worse for wear. The central piece which sticks up with a slight lip is the problem part. 75% of the lip has gone, I think I broke the last 5% or so Have any of you had smiler problems?

Anyway, I'm off to lick my wounds and have a glass of wine Tomorrow is another day!

Well, it's on the stands at the front, but guess what.... I'm having trouble with the lower bolts. Mainly the upper most of the bottom two.

My socket seems to be rounding off the head. I finally managed to do the off side by turning the bolt side rather than the head side, but now it still won't budge. I tapped the bottom one out with a hammer, but even a sledge won't budge the top one.

Any ideas? Otherwise I'm thinking of trying my heat gun, I've already tipped WD40 over it.

No broken bones or deep cuts yet, but some missing skin

Stick lots of penetrating spray on it then go to lunch - come back and give it another go..........

For God's sake don't round the bolt heads - that turns if from a 2 hour job to a 2 day job. Heating it might be a good idea, that was standard practice when I was a mechanic (years ago) but then I fixed very big lorries..........

If you do round the head off then this is about the only way you will get it off.........



But then you will need to replacement bolts I was banging on about the other day!!!

The single bolt will still be under load as its holding up the wishbone and caliper. Put the jack under the wishbone and take some of the weight off. It will help when you come to take the last bolt out. Take your time and keep at it.

Once you do one side you find you can do the other loads faster. Just think, once you have finished you have saved yourself a good £150 -£200 and you now know how to change your shocks and springs. Nice work

Thanks to Doc for the tip, I tried the jack to take the load off, but the bolt still doesn't move. I tried a new socket set which gave a bit more grip, as I thought turning it might help knock it out. I also took a week off as I had to work in Hungary but still no joy.

I'm off on my hols tomorrow night so I might try again once I get back, otherwise it's off to the garage with my tail between my legs....

good luck

Refer to my earlier post - brute force, ignorance and a bloody big monkey wrench!!!!!

:yeahthat:

An hammer................that's all you need

I bought a blow torch today, but I'm supposed to be packing as we fly out tonight.......

We'll see if I get time to try that and a hammer :devil:

Careful with the blow torch - it would all end in tears!!