rear suspension help

[snoops]

Im in the process of changing the rear springs/shocks on my car, I've removed the shock and lowered the trailing arm but I can't get the spring out

any help/tips will be much appreciated

[fuzzy]

spring compressors.

[snoops]

i thought spring compressors were only needed for the fronts?

[fuzzy]

usually the standard springs are tight but lowered springs usually drop out when you take the shock off.a crowbar will do the job but keep your fingers clear

[snoops]

[cliffybabe]

yeah be careful using the persuasion bar

go get some cheap compressors its alot safer

[Aleksandar]

It can be unsafe without a spring compressor, not worth it. You'll need it in the future anyway.

[snoops]

done it with the crowbar in the end I will be getting spring compressors soon when I change the front suspension

[abelai]

I assume you had the handbrake off?? Because if you didn't that would be why you were having problems.

[snoops]

no handbrake was on

[Gwynleym10]

And did you undo the Anti roll bar? Shouldn't need a crow bar, just push down on the trailing arm (stand on it!) while pushing the spring out with your other foot. Like this the spring has no load to go flying anywhere!

[snoops]

it was a 316i so no rear anti roll bar, tried standing on the trailing arm but it wouldn't come out, in the end levered it out towards the centre of the car with a crowbar

[abelai]

Well you live and learn, basically the handbrake will stop the semi trailing arm droping down and if you have an ARB just jack both sides up.