Tools Necessary
- reliable socket set
- metric wrenches
- jack and jack stands
- Spring Compressor
- 5mm Allen driver
As with any project you need to pick out the parts that fit what
you want. In this particular operation I prefer installing shocks at
the same time as springs. This makes it much easier on you. Plus,
stock shocks cannot handle the spring rate of most after market
springs. Even if it feels fine at first it's only a matter of time
before ride quality and control begin to degrade.
As far as manufacturers are concerned I've been happy with Eibach
and H&R. Both provide quality springs that do what they claim. Koni
is probably the best shock for the money.
Even if you are not installing shocks these instructions will be
more than sufficient.
Installation
These instructions are specific to the Honda Civic and Acura
Integra.
NOTE: If possible, try and soak all of the bolts that will be
removed a few hours before you intend to work on the vehicle.
As always, raise and secure the automobile. Remove the wheels.
Rear Springs/Shocks
For the rear, if the Civic/Integra is not equipped with ABS you
can remove the spring without a spring compressor as follows. Remove
the lower control arm bolts. Loosen the shock bolt. Inside the
vehicle you will need to remove the cap bolt. Before removing the
cap bolt secure the control arm using a floor jack. Using the 5mm
allen tool and a 14mm socket, remove the cap bolt. Once you remove
the cap bolt you can slowly lower the jack which will safely
decompress the spring. Remove the assembly from the vehicle. You can
leave the cap on the car or pull it out by removing the 14mm bolts.
If the vehicle is equipped with ABS you will notice that there is a
wire that follows the lower control arm. In this case, you will have
to remove the Shock and carefully move the wire out of the way and
use a spring compressor to disassemble the assembly.
Make sure you have the correct spring combination for each
corner. Civic/Integra rear shocks are not side specific. Completely
disassemble the stock shock. Pull off the bump stop and cut 1/4 off.
Replace the bump stop on the new shock, replace the all of the
hardware and slip on the new spring. Most after market springs are
shorter than the original components which will allow you to install
the spring caps without using a spring compressor. Make sure you
have the cap lined up properly before you tighten it down. Place the
shock/spring on control arm assembly where it belongs. Make sure
the lower control arm bolts are torqued properly. Replace the two
nuts that attach the shock cap to the chassis.
Front Springs/Shocks
As far as I can tell there is no safe way to remove the front
springs without using a spring compressor. For starters, remove the
two shock cap bolts under the hood. Remove the two small brake line
bolts located behind the shock. Remove the large heavy nut/bolt
combination that attaches the fork to the lower control arm. Remove
the medium bolt that attaches the shock to the fork. With all of
these bolts removed, remove the shock/spring combination. Use the
spring compressor to compress the spring. Use the 5mm allen tool and
14mm open box wrench to remove the cap bolt. Remove the spring cap
and release the spring. Remove all of the hardware. Again, remove
about 1/4 of the bump stops original length. Install the bump stop
on the new shock as well as the rest of the hardware. Again, the new
springs will be short enough such that the spring compressor will
not be needed. Make sure the cap is properly aligned to the holes in
the chassis and replace the cap nut. Slip the spring/shock assembly
into the holes in the chassis and replace the bolts that hold the
cap in place. Slip the fork over the lower control arm and shock.
Make sure the replace the lower control arm nut/bolt combination,
the bolt that attaches the shock to the fork, and the small bolts
that secure the brake line to the shock.
Final Note
Replace the wheels and lower the vehicle. One thing to keep in
mind is that the springs will take a day or two to settle. You may
gain a .25-.75 in drop after the springs settle. If you are using
adjustable shocks test drive the vehicle and set them to your
heart's content.
|
