The coil spring is a crucial mechanical component of the Jeep JK suspension system component. They are made of multiple components like high-strength steel, stainless steel, etc.
The leading role of coil suspension is to balance the vehicle’s weight while making turns, absorb the bumps or shocks, and keep the vehicle stable while driving. Therefore, it is vital to have a set of well-functioning coil springs installed on Jeep JK.
However, the Jeep JK coil springs are prone to damage or broken when someone puts excessive pressure on the vehicle. Or due to wear and tear when driving off-road for a long time. And in these cases, knowing how to replace coil springs on Jeep Jk helps a lot.
How to Install Coil Springs on Jeep JK?
When installing the Jeep JK coil springs for the very first time, it may create some confusion. But things will seem more straightforward once accessing the right tools and knowing the right ways.
- Set of coil springs.
- Ratchet.
- Floor jack.
- Jack stands.
- Lug nuts removal extension.
- Torque wrench.
- Impact wrench.
Step 1: Park Jeep JK in Garage
When DIY coil springs are installed, it is always good to park a Jeep JK in the garage where it is easier to access the required tool. And this makes coil springs installation more convenient. In addition, parking Jeep JK in the garage while coil springs installation reduces the chance of safety issues.
Step 2: Jack Up the Jeep JK
Installing the coil springs requires accessing the lower part of the Jeep JK, no matter whether the front or the rear coil springs are replaced. And here comes the necessity of jacking up the Jeep JK. The floor jack tool is something required in order to raise the height of the Jeep JK for coil springs installation.
After jacking up the Jeep JK, the jack stands should be placed on the side of the Jeep JK (under the frame) from where you start installing the coil spring. Watch this video in order to jack up the Jeep JK.
Step 3: Remove the Wheels
Taking off the wheels from the Jeep JK needs the removal of lug nuts. Now, In order to remove the lug nuts of the wheel, the impact wrench is the tool to choose. Using a lug or socket wrench to remove wheels from Jeep JK is also possible. After removing the lug nuts, you have to pull out the wheel using your hands simply.
Note: When choosing an impact wrench extension, you should do this based on the size of the lug nuts of the Jeep JK wheels. Watch this video in order to remove wheels from the Jeep JK using an impact wrench.
Step 4: Remove the Differential Bracket
Removing the differential bracket is essential to find absolute ease when removing the old coil springs and installing new ones. Well, the differential bracket holds the flex hose and ABS wire to the front differential tube of Jeep JK.
Now in order to remove the bolt of the differential bracket, you need to use a 10-millimeter torque wrench. Checking this helpful video on removing the differential bracket will make the job easier.
Step 5: Remove the Sway Bar Link
The sway bar of the Jeep JK is attached to the frame with the help of a bracket. So, removing the bracket will be the first step in removing the sway bar links. Each sway bar bracket is connected with two 16-millimeter-headed bolts if you have a Jeep JK 2007-2018.
In order to remove all four bolts of the sway bar brackets, you need to use the torque wrench again. Or using a ratchet can also do the job.
Step 6: Remove the Shock
You must remove the shock from that side based on the end of the Jeep JK where you work. Now let’s say you are working with the front side of the Jeep JK. The front shock of the Jeep JK is connected to the front differential tube with the help of a bolt. The bolt comes through from inside to outside of the shock.
In order to remove the bolt, hold the inside with a wrench (the size will vary based on the Jeep JK model) and remove the nut with a torque wrench or a ratchet. In addition, add a bit of pressure underneath the differential by raising the Jeep JK. Then, remove the bolt.
Step 7: Lower the Differential a Little Bit
Lowering the differential of Jeep JK is essential to access the coil spring comprehensively. To lower the differential, you need to lower the jack stand’s height, and that’s it.
Step 8: Remove the Coil Spring
You can separate the coil springs from Jeep JK either down along the bottom or even along the top. But removing the coil spring down along the bottom will be better after lowering the differential.
Now give the coil spring a little wiggle, and it should come off. Sometimes, the bottom of the coil spring might be connected with a bolt. And in such a case, you must remove the bolt using a ratchet or torque wrench.
Step 9: Install the New Coil Spring
Make sure to choose the correct coil spring for Jeep JK. Installing the new coil spring is so simple. But while installing the coil spring, ensure the smaller area of the spring is facing towards the top, and the larger area will face down near the button.
You have to insert one end of the coil spring and follow the same orientation as the old one. It might sometimes require pushing down the differential to place the coil spring.
Now you are done with installing the coil springs on Jeep JK. After installing the coil springs, it is mandatory to reconnect the flex hose bracket, shock, and sway bar link. And then put the wheels back on the Jeep JK.
Do Coil Springs Make Noise?
Well-functioning coil springs should not make any noise. If one of the Jeep JK coil springs is making too much noise, it might be wrong. You need to check the issue immediately.
Sometimes, the coil springs might become loose or sag. And in that case, the coil springs can make some noise. If this happens, you must fix the issue as soon as possible. Moreover, checking the coil springs through a professional mechanic for a deep inspection will be better.
How Long Do Jeep JK Coil Springs Last?
The lifetime of a coil spring depends on how the Jeep JK drives. Generally, when driving a Jeep JK off-road, the coil spring is supposed to last for a short time. And this happens due to excessive pressure on the coil spring caused by rough driving conditions.
On the other hand, Jeep JK coil springs last longer if you hardly take the vehicle off-road and primarily drive on highways. Besides, maintenance of the coil springs has a massive role in determining their lasting period.
However, there is nothing you feel too worried about the lifespan of the Jeep JK coil springs. And this is because there are Jeep JK owners who even have stock coil springs that have been in operation for around 200k-300k (around 10-15 years) miles without any issues. In some cases, the coil springs can last the lifetime of a Jeep JK if appropriately maintained.
When Should I Replace the Coil Spring of Jeep JK?
Experts don’t recommend driving a Jeep JK with a malfunctioning coil spring. You may never want to experience an unstable Jeep JK while driving it. And that’s why it is vital to ensure driving the Jeep with well-functioning coil springs.
- Unsatisfying ride quality.
- Extreme rust on the coil springs.
- Damaged or broken coil springs.
- Uneven noise from the coil springs.
It is easy to replace the coil springs of the Jeep JK by accessing the right tools. Otherwise, our recommendation will be to go with a professional mechanic. A single coil spring can cost anything between $50-$300. Plus, mechanic costs should also be added, which could be around $200-$300, according to Repairpal.
Conclusion
While choosing coil springs to install on Jeep JL, it is essential to follow the recommended coil springs by the manufacturer. Purchasing coil springs that don’t fit Jeep JK won’t meet their purpose.
After installing the coil springs, the experts suggest checking the alignment of the Jeep JK properly. If installing the coil springs on Jeep JK seems challenging, going with a qualified mechanic is always good. But the installation steps mentioned above will make things much easier for you.