Hi,

 

 

Octavia Mk.2 Estate, 2008

 

 

Its rear lower suspension arms need replacing, but being a novice, I'd appreciate advice on safely removing the springs.

 

 

Jacked up, there is about 9" (225mm) of accessible length of spring between the top mount and suspension arm. Given that this will (hopefully) be a one-off job, I don't want to pay the earth for an elaborate spring compressor. Would it be possible to do this using a pair of double- or single-hook type compressors, because some, if not all, of those types seem to be too long to fit in that 9" gap, or might foul on the suspension arm (see illustration). Even if the actuating screw head could be situated above the arm, it seems that the screw shaft might foul on the inner surface of the wheel cavity or the car body.

 

 

On a related topic, what actually prevents the spring expanding fully when the wheel is off the ground – the shock absorber?

 

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You don't need spring compressors for the rear springs just a trolley jack to support to arm and slowly lower after removing the outer bolt from the control arm.

 

https://youtu.be/pf7vfEku2oM