beejAMG

Good day gentlemen! I had H&R lowering springs fitted on my E320 (without sport package) about half a year ago and im not that happy with the front. Another inch or even half an inch would be better so im planning on cutting half a coil on the front to give it a bit of a rake look. I know a lot would disagree with me but im thinking of givin' it a go.

My questions are:

1. Do i need a spring compressor to do the job?
2. Do i cut it from the top or the bottom of the spring?
3. If i cut just half a coil from the top, how could the spring sit correctly/exactly on the spring pads?
4. How hard/easy a job is it? Considering that i havent done anything like this before.

Thank you very much for any input.

beejAMG

no one knows how to do this? seriously?

tc1728

Maybe check the honda forums. Good Luck

beejAMG

I want to know the right way to do it with my merc, not the right way to do it with a honda. in case you havent heard, they're two different manufacturers. thank you!

tc1728

I don't think there is a right way to cut springs, that is probably why no one has chimed in yet. I have only heard of Honda guys who have done it so they may be able to help you out. In case you haven't heard, a spring is a spring. There is a right way to lower our cars, if you do not feeling like paying for coilovers, try lowering via STAR or with links before you go ahead and chop up your suspension parts.

beejAMG

when I wrote "the right way" I didnt mean exactly that. I just meant how to do it. I've read a few people here who cut their front H&R's coz same with me, they're not very happy with how it sits. now, I can get coilovers but if I can get away with cutting my front H&R spring with JUST half a coil and save money...why wouldnt I? My car is not airmatic so its either cutting my H&R or coilover.

AMGAffalterbach

How do I cut springs. Can we get this thread deleted please before we get ricers coming here for advice? I hate to be a jerk man but you don't cut springs. Plain and simple that's not what you do, and no one here will give you advice on that. Cutting springs is cutting springs whether it is on a Honda or a Mercedes that was 70 grand brand new. Otto's response was not at all excessive for the record, he's right please take the hint from the community that it is a dumb and unsafe idea. We've all been through it man I had a tire question that I got flamed on 8 months ago because I wanted to be cheap about it and not listen to the voice of reason. And I deserved every bit of what I got. Here's an idea: coilovers.

beejAMG

I know this threads are old but I just want to show you that indeed, someone has done it. IT IS WRONG...I KNOW THAT. I JUST WANT TO KNOW HOW IT WAS DONE?

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...rings-cut.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-question.html

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w140...t-springs.html

beejAMG

AMG dont start mate. So you think this is the right way to post a reply?

"The irony in that post is so thick you could spread it on a birthday cake.

The "right way" to cut coils."

If you can see the links above them maybe we can all put this to rest.

Drag0na5h

Man y'all got me wondering...

http://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Coil-Springs

Step 6 FTW!

beejAMG

Thanks for this mate! I really appreciate it.
so should I cut the front spring from the bottom to make the top pigtail sit properly on the pad?

Drag0na5h

Based on their logic (WIKIHOW), the dead coils are equivalent to the adjustable spring perch on coilovers, however unlike the latter the dead coils are not adjustable. UNLESS you remove the dead coils, then you are essentially reducing the final ride height of your car. Here's an image of what I'm describing.



Now a few key factors which come to mind that play into whether or not this modification is feasible are:

1) Does the spring design have dead coils to begin with?
2) Does your spring coil diameter vary at the very top, very bottom, or both? If both then most likely there are no dead coils. But if there are dead coils, but the spring coil diameter varies on that dead coil end, then you won't be able to modify since your final spring coil diameter after cutting will be different than originally designed to properly fit in the suspension top hat or bottom mount.

I've seen dead coils on the top on some set ups and on the bottom on others.

Best way to check is to look at your spring coils while your car is on the ground.

Regardless of which route someone were to choose, lowering springs or coilovers, camber adjustment among other factors will always be an issue. Each method is unique so you'll have to approach adjustments to each accordingly.

beejAMG

ok, thanks for all the info, ill go check and see if my front H&R's have dead coils. ill keep you posted if and when I go take this route. Cheers mate!

Drag0na5h

Some examples...

dead coils midsection


dead coils top


dead coils bottom

beejAMG

very nice. thanks for this! ill see if I can check out my springs later.

Drag0na5h

Yeah I don't know what the reasoning behind H&R springs having a higher final height in front than the rear. I've seen it happen on a friend's M3 and my brother's Accord. This situation often leads to using Eibachs or a full coilover swap. How long have you been on those H&Rs and have you had to replace your shocks (dampeners) post install?

beejAMG

This is actually the first time i used H&R, it will also be the last. I should have gone with the coilovers from the get go. Ive had the H&R for almost 6 months now i think. Havent replaced my shocks yet mate.

Nola

Thread closed while I clean things up, hand some infractions, etc. It's a perfectly valid question and there was no need gang up on the op and ruin the thread.


*******done. Flame fest removed, warnings and infractions handed. Please keep it civil. For the record, lots of folks disagree with cutting springs, still no reason for a flame fest.

beejAMG

@Dragona5h: good day mate! I already checked the front springs and i dont think i can see a dead coil. I can take photos so you can see it if you want. Cheers!

Drag0na5h

Yeah, if it isn't too difficult, I'd like to see how the H&R front springs sit. I wonder how much of a drop is specified with these springs? Reason I ask is because H&R may have already taken away the "minimum" allowable dead coils (relative to the stock springs) out of their springs and all that is left are the spring coils designed to move with the stock designed suspension travel. I'm not sure, but do most cars have more suspension travel in the front than the rear by design? If so H&R may be offering the lowest possible drops that still comply with the stock shock (dampener) suspension travel, thus saving the life of your stock shocks. Since you said you haven't had to replace your shocks and it's been 1/2 year now. I know Eibach Pro-kits typically offer an even drop all around, but it's possible their front springs exceed the minimum allowable "dead coil" removal length. I say this because with the two cars I installed Eibach Pro-kits on I had to replace my stock shocks after a month. I replaced them with some aftermarket Tokico shocks which I believe were designed for shorter suspension travel because they lasted over 2 years. Just thinking out loud.

beejAMG

I believe you're right. Probably to compensate for the heavy engine at the front.
If i remember it right, i think its 1.3cm rear and 1.5cm front supposedly. Looks like it gonna be harder for me to decide since i dont see any dead coils. You might wanna look at the photos and see for yourself. Cheers mate!

beejAMG

Here a photo of the top...

Drag0na5h

Yeah it looks like there aren't any dead coils with those springs that you could remove. I guess that explains why those who have shortened their H&Rs had their stock shocks fail on them sooner than later. I'd be disappointed too after seeing those drop specs and seeing a higher front end after installation than anticipated.

beejAMG

Thats what i was thinking. I just dont know how some guys have done it. From what ive read so far, they cut half a coil from the top, wouldnt have too much effect on the ride but i think you're right, may ruin my shocks sooner rather than later. But ive always wonderes how they get the top pig tail to ait properly on the top pads if they only cut half a coil.

Drag0na5h

Does the bottom spring mount have a notch as well that locks how the spring sits rotationally like the top spring mount/pad does? If not then you could cut that half coil and still seat the top and bottom of the spring properly.