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The last thing you want is the spring-contact to break or the threads on the bolt to let go. Make sure that the compressor you purchase is forged steel construction and that the threaded rod is high-quality. In the middle of all this, I was researching new shocks and lowering springs. Unfortunately, the cost for such a set is about $1300, which was more than I was prepared to spend on my somewhat ratty survivor Europa. I found a guy on eBay selling a set of vintage Spax adjustable shocks with fixed perches and springs on them for $225 shipped. He agreed to a 14-day return period during which I could evaluate them and return them if the shocks were seized or blown or if the adjustable damping didn’t work.
In theory, this has the advantage of allowing you to control the release of the spring tension by slowly letting down the floor jack. Plate style compression tool – new strut mount can be installed with lock nut.The plate style tool also creates a “safer” environment when compressing a strut spring. It is a much more robust tool than the hook style, and it does not give the user the feeling that it could slip off or break causing injury. The Shankly coil spring compressor is made of drop forged enamel and has double-ended jaws and attachable security hooks for safety and control. It's designed to compress struts and other coil springs on a variety of passenger and light commercial vehicles. It has an operating capacity of 300 mm and an overall length of 300 mm.
How do you make a small spring tighter?
A BMW strut spring is a large steel coil under a tremendous amount of force. It can become a dangerous projectile if it snaps or slips off of the tool during compression. Front strut spring compression can cause a lot of anxiety in the DIY mechanic…and rightly so.
Most of the kits that you can purchase at your local auto parts store are meant for light-duty vehicle springs. Any vehicle beyond that will require heavier-duty tools, so don’t attempt to use a light-duty compressor or you may get hurt. Your strut spring compressor should come with a good storage case that you can use several times without breaking. Having a safe, clean, dry place to store your compressor tool is paramount to its longevity and usefulness.
How hard is it to change springs on a car?
You will want to make sure it’s in good working condition and doesn’t have any damage that will affect your work or cause safety issues. This tool is durable, well made, and makes the job very manageable. It fits snugly on the spring, and the pins push over the spring to lock it into place, so it feels very safe to use. The compressor is heavy duty and a great option for individuals who do strut work once or twice a year, and it makes changing your struts a lot easier than you think it will be.
Do not use the stock rubber spring seats, as the new car suspension system should come with its own set of rubber spring seats. The alignment cams should be in about the same position of where you marked them. Now, get the floor jack into position so that when it jacks up the lower control arm, it contacts the very end of the LCA.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement: 2nd Gen Acura CL (Including Type-S)
For the savvy home mechanic, removing the front strut assemblies from the vehicle is easy. The nerve-racking part of the repair is compressing the spring so it can be transferred over to the new strut. It is very important to choose the correct spring compression tool to accomplish this part of the repair. The other spring compressor tool is a hand tool that uses hooks to hold the spring, while requiring you to ratchet down the hooks to compress the spring.
The hook-style compressor works by using two threaded rods with grooved blocks of steel on each end . Go over to the jack handle and very, very slowly lower the control arm and decompress the spring until it is fully decompressed. As you release all the energy from the spring, you will hear all sorts of disconcerting creaks as the spring decompresses. There are two lower ball joint mounting bolts that need to be removed as well. Once these bolts are removed, the tip of the LCA will be able to be separated from the wheel hub. Keep in mind that the two lower ball joint to lower bracket nuts flank the center castle nut.
Can you cut Springs while on the car?
Once the spring is compressed, you can remove the old strut, install the new strut, or perform whatever other maintenance you need to do. When you are finished, loosen the compressor and allow the spring to expand back to its normal size. Once all the bolts are loosened and removed, the strut assembly should be free to come off. Generally, these shorter lowering springs lower the ride height and provide a more responsive and sporty feel due to their stiffer design. Continue to slowly jack up the LCA until you see the bolt start to protrude through the top strut mount.
This Warren, Michigan company produces top-notch automotive diagnostic and repair tools. This OTC Clamshell Strut Spring Compressor is a simpler approach to MacPherson compressors. Slowly twist the rod or piece of wood until the coil is fully compressed. Now, take a ratchet and thread it onto the end of the rod or piece of wood. Compressing a strut spring without a tool may sound like a daunting task, but it is actually quite easy to do. All you need is a few household items and a little bit of patience.
The best way to do this is to compress the strut spring continuously in tiny increments, switching back and forth between both sides. You should do this until sufficient tension has been relieved from the strut spring. The ABN 9210 MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor takes tension off to safely remove strut and spring assembly.
Once done, turn the nut for a couple of threads before using the air impact gun to tighten it. To ensure that your compressor will remain in good working order for the entire time that it’s in your ownership, make sure that it is well lubricated and clean. Dirty or dry threads will become damaged with use, and that can spell disaster if they fail.
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