Spring compressors

[Smosh]

I am assuming I have to use a spring compressor to do the front springs on my van, is there a safe way around this?

Also, am I making a mistake by not replacing any bushes, ball joints etc when I do the springs and dampeners? (I am replacing AR Bar + steering bushes)


once again, Thanks!

[nevill3]

In the past I have resorted to using several turns of strong rope wrapped around the spring . I felt a little safer with this rather than using the cheap spring compressors that are available. I just attached the rope whilst the vehicle was on the ground before jacking it up. I think I remember reading in the Bentley manual that you do not need to use spring compressors though.

Nev

[what2do]

Blimey, not liking the sound of this, I'm not particularly adherent to H & E. Who said you had to use cheap compressors? That's what I love about eBay, quality second hand gear at a reduced price.

[nevill3]

I have used the rope method when I had no access to spring compressors and found that if wrapped around several times and knotted tightly whilst the vehicle is on the ground it felt infinitely more secure that having two metal spring compressors hooked onto the springs with a potential for slipping off and launching the spring anywhere it wants to go.

The main drawback to the rope method is that you cannot easily release the compressed spring once it is off the vehicle or indeed attempt to compress a spring with a rope, but is useful for when you are just replacing shocks or top bearing etc and not actually replacing the spring, just moving it out of the way.

Obviously anyone would use this tip at their own risk and I accept no responsibility for any accidents or mishaps that may happen

[Smosh]

Yes, my concern with the rope method is releasing the spring following. Or is it set to spend is days forever coiled? I will just be taking them out and putting new ones in. I do imagine it could lead to incidents at the scrap yard when the rope corrodes and preloaded springs break free!

The Bentley Manual does show doing it without. By placing a jack under the "lower control arm" and slowly lowering it... Is this a safe enough method / has anyone done this and survived?

[what2do]

There are currently some bargains on eBay at the moment - not cheap chinese ones either.

[Smosh]

So after some friends came over to help me disasemble the van I am beyond my comfort zone well and truely... They've gone and Im trying to put the new springs in.

My ball joint splitter is too small so could break the ball joints instead I have dropped the top ball joint from the top wishbone dropped the jack and removed it all.

Pictures to follow at a later date.

[Smosh]

Sorted Thanks for the help everyone!

You dont need a spring compressor!

1) crack off wheel nuts, jack up, remove wheel nuts, remove wheels. Use axle stands!
1a) Plus gas the crap out of everything.
2) Then either; remove calliper (two bolts on rear) or disconnect flexi-hose. Note: this requires the brakes to be bled once reconnected. (I clamped the flexi hose but This is being replaced!)
3) Undo the tie-rod nut. use a ball joint splitter to separate this.
4) Release the radius arm at the lower control arm. This requires undoing the three nuts, and levering the radius arm undo around and letting it sit on top.
5) Next undo the two allen-key bolts on the upper wish bones to release the upper wish bone.
6) Lift slightly the lower control arm with a jack under the dampener.
7) Undo the lower bolt that goes through the dampener and lower control arm. NOTE: The spring is now free to roam. Be careful with the jack.
8 ) Slowly lower the jack until the spring is fully released.
9) Undo the nut on top of the dampener. Yes, that is a plastic cap on it. Yes, just pop that off you dont need to unscrew it!




10) Pull out the dampener and spring.



Reassemble more or less in reverse.

If fitting -50mm springs on the front you may want to consider cutting down the bump stops. Here is mine I did:

I cut off the bottom plastic section where it enters the rubber using a hacksaw. THen, I cut off two and a half ribs up. I then reduced the size of the half rib now at the bottom and worked it back into the plastic with some grease.

[Smosh]

So here is the van currently running a little rake... Will have to wait until after my holiday in her to sort out the back springs!