Replacing rear spring(s)

[Wolfsburggti]

My off side rear spring has snapped.  Any guides on how to change?  Have had a quick look but can't find much...

Also is the done thing to change both sides, rather than one?

Thanks...

[ukshaun]

Yes you should change both sides together really.

You don't really need a guide for the rear they are easy. All you need to do is jack the car up remove the wheels and use a pair of spring clamps to compress the current spring then undo the shock absorber and have someone push down on the hub whilst you lift the spring out. Then compress your new spring and do the same in reverse. Make sure you seat them correctly on the rubber mounts or you will get a horrible squeaking.

[Wolfsburggti]

Excellent, sounds very similar to a BMW E46, the springs for which I've changed before.  Is it easy to get the compressors on to the spring whilst it's still on the car?  I remember strugglng with that with the beemer.

[skard]

I've never even used spring clamps, just undo the pinch bolt and it all drops out, to refit slowly and carefully jack up the arm, then stick the bolt in and tighten.

[Andy]

as Skard says is the way I do them as well

[Chris92]

X2 for skards way, maybes place a jack under the arm before removing the shocker bolt then let jack down and lift spring out its just a more controlled way of doing it. Easy job is the rear springs you'll have no problems.