Ok, newbie question. I want to change the front springs on the KW3's. Do I get a spring compressor, compress the spring and then undo the main nut at the top? Haven't dealt with coilovers before.

Thanks!

 

There shouldn't be much preload on the spring if any. If there is just lower the bottom spring perch until there is no preload. No spring compressor necessary.

 

Absolutely correct. I just installed my Robi KWs this weekend (and I'll take the space here to say Robi is bar none the best vendor I could ever hope to deal with!) and can confirm you don't need a compressor. The only part that will be a little problematic is torquing down the top nut (32 N-m), as the actual coilover body will start to spin once the nut is threaded. I just used a pair of vice grips with paper towel in the teeth to hold the shaft - worked perfectly and left no teeth marks. You can also use something like a rubber fan belt (Robi's suggestion).

 

Thanks guys! I got my set used and want to change the spring rates per Robi's recommendations. Hope to get the car set up soon

 

which top nuts are you referring to? The rears?

 

I'm referring to the fronts - the rears are very easy to do as the coilover body "catches" and stops rotating almost immediately, but the fronts will keep spinning. Robi informed me that the valving can be damaged if they spin too much.

 

Ok, another question. To adjust compression, I believe clockwise increases compression. Is this clockwise looking towards the bottom of the strut assembly? Thanks!