Coil spring isolators

[DieterZahn]

It appears that my isolators are pretty much shot. When I hot a pothole I get a sound that sounds like metal on metal from the front end. Everything is tight with steering and alignment but looking underneath confirmed my need for new isolators. Any suggestions on what to use and methods of installation?. Thanks

[NY eric]

call me

You got my # I just went through this.

[SVOeric]

I used the energy suspension replacment isolators. I picked them up from SVPU -- they were pretty cheap --

as far as changing them -- you are going to have to remove the springs-- no shortcuts that I know of --

jack the car up, far enough for the LCA to swing all the way under the car
pop the tie rod ends
remove the sway bar end links
remove the caliper, and rotor (so you can remove the strut bolts) -- tie the caliper out of the way-- so you don't break a line
support the lower control arm with a floor jack if possible, and remove the 2 bolts from the strut
now slowly let the jack down, - it's not a bad idea to tie the spring down, so it don't jump out and get you.
this is why I like to use a floor jack, with a long handle -- so i can be several feet away from the spring when it comes out -- Normally, the spring will fall right out if you let the jack down slowly, but it is possible for it to bind, and jump out at the last second.

Re-installing is the reverse-- BUT -- I have yet to be able to get a spring back in a fox chasis without a spring compressor.

This is also a good time to check your A-arm bushings -- and chang them if needed, while you are in there..