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[Mikes1670]

Hi, any advice appreciated - just removed broken rear coil spring (Passenger side) on 3.0 V6 Elite with self leveling suspension.
I have printed off Marks DTM Calib maintenance guide but have the following questions:-
1. Is it really necessary to replace both sides? :-?
2. Are the coil springs any different on a self leveling Omega? (On Ebay, sellers seem to specify springs for sale but state except self leveling?) :-/
3. Are there any good short cuts? - in the past I have compressed suspension coil springs with spring compressors then tie wrapped them in the compressed postion using heavy duty tie wraps - fitted them, then cut the tie wraps - saved a lot of time but this if my first Omega coil spring. 8-)
TIA
Mike.

[Lazydocker]

1. All suspension and brake components should be replaced in pairs... There will be wear/weakness in the other side

2. I fitted good quality standard springs with no ill effects but cheaper ones may not give the same results.

3. Up to you... Not really that much more work to drop the Diff TBH, and then you can ensure that it's seated correctly

[Varche]

KYB do a rear spring for the elite. For the saloon I am fairly certain it is RJ6227. Much cheaper than the VX "soft" elite spring.

[Mikes1670]

Just got a price from Vx stealers who also stated should be replaced as a 'matched' pair - price £299.00 + VAT! -Ouch damn pot holes! 

Where did you get your KYB springs from. The guy I spoke to at Vx said non-Vx springs tend to bottom out 

[robson]

I fitted kyb RX6226 I think that kyb changed there numbering system so not sure which number is correct, I got mine at a local factor abour £60 a pair. Are the 6227 heavy duty. My car is a saloon.

[Nick W]

3. Are there any good short cuts? - in the past I have compressed suspension coil springs with spring compressors then tie wrapped them in the compressed postion using heavy duty tie wraps - fitted them, then cut the tie wraps - saved a lot of time but this if my first Omega coil spring. 8-)
TIA
Mike.

Tie wraps? You're braver than me!

I'd use 2 or 3 exhaust clamps done up tight, where there isn't enough room for spring compressors. Particularly suitable if you don't need to compress the spring much.

If you're really lash, and work in a fast fit centre(so that's a yes!) then you don't bother to undo the clamps but just burn them off with the oxy/acetylene! Or so a mate who worked a Kwik Fit for a while told me.

[TheBoy]

1) MUST be pairs like all suspension components. Its will handle like a pig otherwise. Also, the other won't be long before dying.

2) Self levelling is different, although I believe people have fitted non self levelling springs in the past. Probably no ideal though

3) No shortcuts. Should take less than an hour to do both sides (remember to release the handbrake, and stick it in neutral!). No room for compressors, and cable ties is a bit daft.

[Mikes1670]

Hi all, just finished fitting two new rear coil springs after getting a broken spring on the rear passenger side. Despite what some suggested it took me about 7 hours in total working on the drive and ended up as usual with ever tool I own under the car by the end of the job.

Took the car on a test drive (approx. 5 miles) and it felt great, however post test drive I noticed the car didn't seem to be sitting level so out came the tape measure. I measured from the ground through the centre of the rear wheel to the lip of the wheel arch - the passenger side measured 26.75" and on the drivers side the same measurement was 27.75"? I took my time fitting the springs and know they are seated correctly. Only thing I can think is that the passenger side shock absorber is suspect (it has the self leveling pump up shocks). Any ideas how I can test/diagnose the problem.

TIA
Mike.