How to Replace the Springs in a Mitsubishi 3000GT

The rather short lived Mitsubishi 3000GT was a fully-loaded sports car. The 3000GT could be customized with a variety of options, but the handling and response were not as exact as some competitors. The Mitsubishi 3000GT's springs are set in a MacPherson strut system. While replacing the front springs requires more work than the rear springs, no special tools are needed.

Instructions

Removing the Front Springs

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable and raise the Mitsubishi 3000GT and support it securely.

2

Take off the bracket from the brake hose and tube. Do this carefully and do not force it. At the same time disconnect the front speed sensor clamp from the strut if the vehicle has ABS.

3

Support the lower control arm with a jack and remove the strut to knuckle bolts. Wire the knuckle up to keep it from contacting the brake hose. Remember to remove the wire when reinstalling.

4

Prepare to remove the strut by marking the body and strut insulator to insure proper re-installation. If the car has Active-ECS , detach the nut from the air line on the top of the strut, and throw away the O-ring; take off the bolts that hold the actuator atop the strut and remove it before disconnecting the wiring harness.

5

Remove the strut upper bolts and take the strut assembly off the car.

6

Compress the spring with the spring compressor until the spring separates from the seat. This can be dangerous if the compressed spring is not handled safely. The spring can cause injury if detaches from the strut in an uncontrolled manner.

7

Take off the strut center nut and remove the upper mounting bracket and bushings before taking off the coil spring.

Attaching the Front Springs

8

Reinstall the compressed new spring onto the strut assembly. Install the bushings and mounting brackets by tightening the nut to manufacturer's specifications.

9

Attach the strut to the vehicle and tighten the top bolts; reinstall the strut onto the knuckle and tighten the bolts.

10

Reattach the Active-ECS if equipped. Put a new O ring on the air hose and reinstall it. Attach the actuator to the strut and reconnect the wiring harness.

11

Reinstall the bracket on the hose bracket along with the ABS clamp.

12

Replace the wheel and tire assembly.

13

Reconnect the negative battery cable and lower the car.

14

Align the front end.

Replacing the Rear Springs

15

Remove the negative cable from the battery before raising and securely supporting the 3000 GT.

16

Pull back the trim from the luggage compartment and remove the connector for the Active Electronic Control Suspension (Active-ECS) and the cap.

17

Use a jack to support the suspension and take the upper mounting bolts off the shock absorber.

18

Take the wheel and tire assembly off the car and remove the lower shock mounting bolt.

19

Remove the shock absorber from the car. Service the shock and replace the coil spring. Use the compressor to compress the coil spring. Use caution during this step as the spring can cause injury if not carefully removed.

20

Reinstall the shock assembly, upper mounting nuts, the cap and Active-ECS connector.

21

Attach the wheel and tire assembly and reconnect the negative cable before lowering the car.