Coil spring compressors

[donnylad]

Not sure if this is the right place but the coil spring snapped on our lasses fiesta, I’ve stripped it all, bought some coil springs but how the f**k do I use them safely, the springs are on such an angle the compressors just spin to one side etc.

many tips?

 

[ilovewilly]

Put it over the shock and gradually tighten both until you can get the top mount on.

 

[donnylad]

Tried that pal, same result, the angle just seems massive on the springs.

might have to see if any garage can Chuck it on for some cash tomoz

 

[R3k1355]

Any way to put some weight on the spring? When it's compressed down a touch the angle will be lower and the tool shouldn't move.

Springs do look weird though, it's like they've already snapped a coil off

 

[Touring_Rob]

Got any ratchet straps?

They look like el'cheapo compressors.

In the past Ive also used a hose clamp/small Jubilee Clio on the spring to stop the spring compressor from shifting about. Once they are fairly tight they stop moving. But cheap compressors give me the heeby jeebies.

You doing both springs or just the one?

 

[Twingo 1??]

The claws/hooks are usually shaped so they don't slide also make sure you do them a small amount and then do the other side repeating untill you have the spring compressed enough to get the top mount on the shock.

 

[JamesBryan]

I've used those ones a few times, no problem.

Easier with an impact gun as it's a bit quicker.

The first pic looks like you've tightened the left side too much first as it's pulling it over to one side.

Start compressing the side which is higher up on the spring, so that it brings that side down to the level of the lower one. If you get what I mean.

You want them fully extended to begin with, so you're compressing as much spring as possible.

 

[donnylad]

I've used those ones a few times, no problem.

Easier with an impact gun as it's a bit quicker.

The first pic looks like you've tightened the left side too much first as it's pulling it over to one side.

Start compressing the side which is higher up on the spring, so that it bringsthat side down to the level of the lower one. If you get what I mean.

You want them fully extended to begin with, so you're compressing as much spring as possible.

The first pic they were quite level u til the right clamp jus slid round to the left

going to give it one last go in the morning.

 

[JamesBryan]

The first pic they were quite level u til the right clamp jus slid round to the left

going to give it one last go in the morning.

Mad

Have you got them 180° apart?

 

[donnylad]

Yeah, it’s crazy you’d think it would be easy. If I was at work I’d just mill some brackets up that sit at the angle, but trying to not drive all the way there and back!

 

[donnylad]

Managed to get it compressed, stuck some rubber pads on the clamps to stop it slipping.

I haven’t fully tightened / uncompressed yet. I’ve never done this, only ever fitted coilovers but does this seem right, I expected a perfect fit at the top of the shock. I can move it so it’s perfect bet ur feels like it’s going to spring straight off when I release the tension. I did check it’s not upside down but the other way around it literally points sideways

hope they haven’t given me a duff.

sketchy as f**k compressing springs tho!

this pic show what it sits like at the min

this pic shows I can push it correct. Guess I’ll just release pressure n see what it looks like!

pics have uploaded backwards but you get the idea.

 

[donnylad]

Surely the spring is just going to slip over the top mount when I loosen. It’s there should be a ring with 10 mm a side diameter to hold it on!

 

[donnylad]

Think I’m gonna strip it and retest the other way, this just doesn’t feel right. Just wants to sit like this.

can’t be this has defeated me!

 

[JamesBryan]

The top and bottom plates should have a lip at some point, where the tips of the spring ends should sit against.

 

[donnylad]

It was upside down, because I’d compressed it so much it just dropped in lovely the other way haha!

what a spaz!

 

[JamesBryan]

Just check the top mount hasn't got a lip where the spring should sit against.

Could do with a new dust cover too

 

[James]

Genuinely, one of the scariest things I've ever done