Replacing spring

[07.350]

Hey guys, I was driving my car and it started to make a squeaking noise from the front drivers side wheel. I went to investigate the cause and took the tire off and saw that my spring was broken.
Would I be fine with just being a spring http://www.*********.com/gbproducts/WC/5973-01070944.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ff&utm_ content=YN&utm_campaign=*********+Google+Base&utm_ term=1990-1991+Honda+Accord+Coil+Spring+Genuine+W0133-1607663+Front+90-91+Honda+Coil+Spring&fp=pp&gbm=a&gclid=CLuv4feFzbI CFehDMgodvk0AEg and taking the strut out and using a spring compressor to put the new one on? Thanks

[07.350]

[IMG][/IMG] FTW!

[Jarrett]

First, you should read up on how to properly post pictures on this forum.

Get ready for this to cost you pretty big. You won't need a spring compressor for that spring and shock assembly but once you get it off you'll likely find that the shock is bad after 20 years of use and will need to be replaced also. Since that's the case, it is likely the case with the rest of your shocks also. That spring looks pretty rusted and if the others look that way too then you should consider replacing them as well.

With all that considered, you can either go with parts store stuff to get the OEM ride quality restored or you can go aftermarket and consider a setup that will lower your car and give it a more performance-minded ride. There are many options to consider but when these cars get old crap just starts happening to them.

[07.350]

Thanks for the quick reply! I'm looking to keep it the cheapest possible because, I only drive this car in the rain and snow. I'd prefer not to put a lot of money into it so could I get away with just replacing the strut and spring or would that cause more problems? Thanks

[Leung]

will you be replacing the strut and spring at the same time for both sides of the front?

[07.350]

Yes, I was going to replace both the front driver and passenger sides.

[Jarrett]

Then that's probably alright for how often you drive it. It also comes down to what you hope to get out of this car over its life. And for that matter, how long you plan to own it.

[Losiracer2]

The easiest would be to find a replacement at a local salvage yard. Try looking for accords that had the shocks replaced.

You'll almost always see some with KYB GR2 shocks (grey colored shock body) Those are good quality replacements.

Instead of spending hundreds on new suspension, when I wasn't making a lot of money as an intern last year, I looked for a good condition accord in the JY and bought the entire springs/shock combo from all 4 corners and swapped them directly onto my car. A lot less work too since you won't have to rent a spring compressor to remove your springs and install new ones. That would be the cheapest route.

Cost me about 50 bucks for all 4. A lot better than riding with blown shocks and in your case, a broken spring...which is even more dangerous.

[07.350]

Thanks for the advice, I'm going to check out a few local junkyards.

[deevergote]

Don't waste your money on junkyard stuff if it's clearly old, as it could be no better than what you have. But Losiracer2 is right, you'll often find decent replacement parts in the junkyard.
A junkyard spring would probably be just fine. Your situation is very uncommon. These springs rarely fail like that. Brand new shocks would be smartest, though.

Be prepared to replace any damaged ball joints (if the boot is torn, the joint must be replaced, without question.) Also be prepared to replace one or both axles (about $75 at most parts stores for a remanufactured one.) I've done about 7 Accord suspension replacements in my time, and I've damaged axles on 3 of them. If the axle pulls apart at the joint, it's often not possible to pop it back in... and many people say that if you do pop it back in, it's only a matter of time before it fails. Best to replace it.


Also, plan on getting an alignment done once you've replaced all you need to replace. Any suspension work should be followed by an alignment. A $70 alignment is cheaper than two $70 tires!