Author Topic: Is it possible to change rear spring/shocks one at a time without axle stands?  (Read 1704 times)

Offline b_boy02

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Basically as the title suggests I think I will need to do this one side at a time. I know the normal way is to jack up the rear then on axle stands drop the axle to give you room to work.
If I jack up one corner at a time nice and high will I be able to push the axle down enough to get the spring/shock assembly out?

Many thanks.

Gavv8

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I jack the car up with a trolley jack then put the standard jack in between the subframe and body to force them apart.

Offline madmanmart

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Buy another jack?


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Offline DCmk3

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That's what I had to do to lower my golf, I didn't have stands at my place so we put the jack under the axle section which crosses under the car so the axle can still pivot on the jack..
Didn't have any issues with it, although it's not exactly safe either. Not to mention you need to put force down on the axle to get the shock out..  :rolleyes:
« Last Edit: 14 June 2013, 22:50 by DCmk3 »

2014 Mk7 GTI - Littco L500

Offline b_boy02

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Sounds pretty dodgy pivoting the axel on one jack, might try Gav's method though. Where did you place the trolly jack to get enough height? I normally jack under the axel as the sills like to fold but obviously that is not an option in this case!

Offline leigh_harty

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Why not just buy axel stands? they are cheap enough! Even a halfords 2tonne trolley jack isnt expensive i think i paid £24 for mine and you'll always need a 2nd
Dont lose your dinosaur!

Offline tweed

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You not got a pile of bricks? Any wood to put on top of bricks? Old tyres?

Im sorry but even I can see this is a accident waiting to happen.  Might not get hurt but the car might fall of the jack.

I would ask friends or neighbour first.

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Offline b_boy02

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Yeah I probably have a bunch of breeze blocks somewhere. Where would you suggest I it supported it on them?

Offline leigh_harty

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Chuck 2 under the sump and some on the frame rails where you see the brake and fuel line.  :rolleyes:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_898889_langId_-1_categoryId_255207


£20 and youll always need a set!
Dont lose your dinosaur!

Gavv8

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I always jack under the rear subframe mounts or under the front engine mount.