Stock suspension removal question

[pnw_fl5]

I have a set of Spoon Springs coming in soon. After reading the mental stress the front suspension removal is on the FL5, I wanted to get the forum consensus - Do you have to remove the axle nut in order to remove the suspension assembly? I've seen some people do it and others not. Also any tips or tricks on getting those out would be appreciated!

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[blitz423]

Take it out of the hub so you don't risk popping out the spider roller. It's only 1 nut so zap it with an impact. I think the spline didn't have to completely come out but gives the hub more room without extending the axle too much. When you are done torque it to spec and then stake it.

 

[MrBBQ]

I removed the axle nuts when I installed my Swift springs and pushed the axle inwards but not completely off the hub. It's easy to do with an impact gun, and significantly decreases the axle popping out of the transmission. Also, every millimeter of movement available is crucial for that last part of slipping the bottom part of the strut off the hub.

 

[blitz423]

I removed the axle nuts when I installed my Swift springs and pushed the axle inwards but not completely off the hub. It's easy to do with an impact gun, and significantly decreases the axle popping out of the transmission. Also, every millimeter of movement available is crucial for that last part of slipping the bottom part of the strut off the hub.

Every single thing this guy said is 100%.

 

[seabassi702]

I tried to install my springs and started with the front driver side. I did not loosen the axle nut. I got the strut tower like 90% of the way out but could not get it 100% out. I tried for like 2 hours and the I said F it. I put everything back together. I’ll pay someone to do this or try it again when I have some free time lol.

This was my first time doing springs myself. I’m glad I didn’t force it out as I’ve read on forums many people popped the axle out or break the seal. My fl5 only had 8k miles when I tried and it was a fight with a pry bar lol

 

[pnw_fl5]

Take it out of the hub so you don't risk popping out the spider roller. It's only 1 nut so zap it with an impact. I think the spline didn't have to completely come out but gives the hub more room without extending the axle too much. When you are done torque it to spec and then stake it.

Thanks for sending the torque specs here! Do you have torque specs for the other bolts that need to be removed to take out the suspension? I'm assuming they will be in the Spoon instructions, but I'm not certain they will be.

Also did you use a new nut (per the remark)? Or did you just reuse the original nut?

 

[alSpeed2k]

I did not, but it was real pain, lol. It definitely helped having a friend on hand to help get the shock out.

 

[pnw_fl5]

This was also an interesting removal process - first time seeing the ball joint removal technique.

 

[Ktrw]

This was also an interesting removal process - first time seeing the ball joint removal technique.

I also referenced this video (it hurt the process imo since it got things out of alignment), but I cannot emphasize enough how much I recommend you just remove the axle nut, as folks here have said. Getting the last little bit of the strut out is a massive PITA, and I ripped my axle seal on one side, which sucked. I imagine if I had just removed the axle nuts and pushed the axle back slightly, that would have given enough room for the struts to pop out of the cup.

If I ever have to remove the front struts again, I will be taking the axle nuts off and maybe getting a little spreader tool for the cup holding the strut.

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