How to Replace the Springs in a Geo Tracker

The Geo Tracker is a mini-SUV manufactured in a partnership between General Motors and Suzuki; it was discontinued in 2004. The Geo Tracker's front springs are robust, but the rear springs on the Tracker resemble a standard mini-truck's suspension. After replacing the Geo Tracker's springs you may have to adjust the wheel alignment.

Instructions

Replacing the Front Springs in the Geo Tracker

1

Raise the Geo Tracker and support its frame with a jack stand and place a jack beneath the lower control arm.

2

Remove the wheel, lower control arm stabilizer shaft links and the following (if equipped): locking hub, axle snap-ring and wheel speed sensor. The Geo Tracker had various option packages available and those options determine whether or not certain suspension components are included on the vehicle.

3

Take off the ball stud nut and move the lower control arm ball stud away fro from the knuckle.

4

Use the jack in order to raise the control arm and disconnect the ball joint from the knuckle and move the knuckle and brake assembly away from the control arm. Be careful when moving these parts out of your way.

5

Lower the jack and remove the coil spring. This is a potentially harmful step as the spring carries a great deal of potential energy and uncontrolled release of the spring can result in injury.

6

Replace the coil spring after inspecting it and the spring bumper and seat for signs of wear.

7

Reinstall and replace all parts and tighten nuts and bolts to manufacturer's specifications. Be certain the stabilizer shaft is centered before tightening the shaft's link nut.

Replacing the Rear Springs in the Geo Tracker

8

Raise the Tracker, block the wheels with jack stands and support the rear axle with a jack.

9

Take off the rear wheels and disconnect the parking brake cable.

10

Take the lower nut and bolt off the shock absorber and replace them afterwards with new ones.

11

Remove the wheel speed sensor clamps (if the Tracker has ABS) from both the upper control arm and axle housing.

12

After removing the E-ring from the right rear brake pipe and disconnecting the breather hose attach a spring compressor to the spring.

13

Lower the axle slowly and remove the coil spring and replace. This is a potentially dangerous step so lower the axle slowly in order to release the potential energy. If the spring detaches in an uncontrolled manner it can cause injury.

14

Replace, reattach and tighten all components to manufacturer's specifications.