spring removal

[Chimp871]

Probably a dumb question but how do I remove the spring from my shocks?

My spring compressors won't grab onto the spring as the clearance from the shock casing is limited.

Is it crucial to count the number of unscrews when undoing top?

[jojackson4]

What make are they ?

[s p a c e m a n]

My diy bodge at home without decent tools has always been ratchet straps. Tighten them up whilst they're on the car and the spring is compressed (jack up the hub) and then take the shock off and remove the spring.

[Chimp871]

jojackson4 said:

What make are they ?

Bilstein, look standard. I take it part of the alignment is in how tight the top nut is?

[jojackson4]

Sorry never had Billy's

[Sardonicus]

Any good http://www.ccw-tools.com/Motorcycle-Suspension-Too...

[Andav469]

Sardonicus said:

Any good http://www.ccw-tools.com/Motorcycle-Suspension-Too...

Motorcycle spring compressors are perfect for the job, I used some when I got my springs powder coated, the tangs that go into the coils are narrow and thin

[Sardonicus]

Andav469 said:

Motorcycle spring compressors are perfect for the job, I used some when I got my springs powder coated, the tangs that go into the coils are narrow and thin

Ah ah feedback thanks Dave not used this method myself but I have something like the bottom of this page for Honda coil overs (when I worked on lots of em) so was going to adapt it http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=120...

[Hedgehopper]

Found this picture on Pistonheads...

[Chimp871]

Hedgehopper said:

Found this picture on Pistonheads...

Have to say that is my best option as I've got plenty of ratchet straps.

I removed the springs (along with all the suspension) for a sand blast and powder coat and plan to put them back on as they look in decent condition.

Is it important to note how many turns (or overall height) the top nut takes to come off? Once I know this I'm sorted.

[portzi]

Chimp871 said:

Hedgehopper said:

Found this picture on Pistonheads...

Have to say that is my best option as I've got plenty of ratchet straps.

I removed the springs (along with all the suspension) for a sand blast and powder coat and plan to put them back on as they look in decent condition.

Is it important to note how many turns (or overall height) the top nut takes to come off? Once I know this I'm sorted.

Are they the original dampners too that your putting back on?

[Chimp871]

portzi said:

Are they the original dampners too that your putting back on?

hi portzi, yes they are - all originals going back on

[Chimp871]

so err..... watching wheeler dealer's cerbera refit they showed a novel way to remove the springs w/out buying new compressors.

go to around 25 mins, 40 secs to see how.

Also once the retainer is out, spring is off so no need to remove top nut!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAWPuQ4NVBQ

[gerbenhi]

Hi there,

Been there, done that. Straps and ratched wasn't to secure follow this thread and scroll down.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=120...

[phazed]

I always use the compressors that UKKid35 didn't use at the start of the other thread.

Laser I think. Not ideal but they work.

[Alexdaredevils]

We got the 'TVR' tool at work I will take a picture for some inspiration for you guys

[S7Paul]

Sardonicus said:

Any good http://www.ccw-tools.com/Motorcycle-Suspension-Too...

Do not buy these; they'd have trouble taking the spring off a Biro! I bought some to take the spring off a Suzuki Bandit rear shock, and they weren't strong enough to do the job. I returned them and got a refund. Utter rubbish.

[phillpot]

Chimp871 said:

go to around 25 mins, 40 secs to see how.

Blocked

gerbenhi said:

Straps and ratched wasn't to secure

"safe as houses", can't slip or jump off like a clamp?

S7Paul said:

Do not buy these; they'd have trouble taking the spring off a Biro! .

What happened? threads stripped, clamps straightened? tell us more!

[S7Paul]

phillpot said:

What happened? threads stripped, clamps straightened? tell us more!

Firstly, the plastic jaw inserts broke almost immediately. Secondly, despite being well-lubricated, the threads started to bind once the spring started to compress. The more I tried to compress the spring, the worse the binding became, until virtually all the load I was putting on it was trying to overcome the threads binding rather than compressing the spring. It got to the point where it was virtually locked solid. These things are too flimsy and not fit for purpose. And that was on a bike spring!