Author |
Message |
llilibel03 Samba Member
Joined: February 03, 2008 Posts: 767 Location: Redondo Beach California
|
Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 3:30 pm Post subject: spring compressors |
|
|
Will these do to work on vanagons?
_________________ 87 syncro tintop
90 gl tin top
85 westy 2.0 tiico automatic (present) |
|
Back to top |
|
|
theadventureneverends Samba Member
Joined: December 24, 2009 Posts: 585 Location: Gig Harbor WA
|
Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 4:37 pm Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
I used the Harbor Freight of that style to put GW lift springs on my 91 Syncro Westfalia without issue. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
shagginwagon83 Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016 Posts: 3786 Location: VA/TN
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
uberaudi Samba Member
Joined: June 24, 2013 Posts: 495 Location: Hi-top Country
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 7:50 am Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
I have a set of that style that I bought from Napa years ago and have installed many springs with...they work fine. Sometimes though, especially with lift springs, you just run out of room to use that type. This style:
https://www.amazon.com/8MILELAKE-Macpherson-Spring...compressor
Is a lot more low profile and can make your life much easier. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
shagginwagon83 Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016 Posts: 3786 Location: VA/TN
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 7:58 am Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
uberaudi wrote: |
I have a set of that style that I bought from Napa years ago and have installed many springs with...they work fine. Sometimes though, especially with lift springs, you just run out of room to use that type. This style:
https://www.amazon.com/8MILELAKE-Macpherson-Spring...compressor
Is a lot more low profile and can make your life much easier. |
My mind is telling me yes, but my wallet is telling me noooo.
Nah, thanks. I'd rather invest in a quality, safer set. Thanks uberaudi!! _________________ Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Zeitgeist 13 Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009 Posts: 12103 Location: Port Manteau
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 8:09 am Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
For 2WD, I prefer these MB type of compressors for the front springs.
Mine are expensive German tools, but eBay has some cheap knock-offs.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Coil-Spring-Compressor-St...SwArxbQD2r _________________ Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
shagginwagon83 Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016 Posts: 3786 Location: VA/TN
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 8:11 am Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
Will that ebay kit work for the rear too? _________________ Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Zeitgeist 13 Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009 Posts: 12103 Location: Port Manteau
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 8:14 am Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
There's no need to use a compressor on the rears. Just seat the spring and use a floor jack to compress the control arm _________________ Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
shagginwagon83 Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016 Posts: 3786 Location: VA/TN
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 8:21 am Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
Zeitgeist 13 wrote: |
There's no need to use a compressor on the rears. Just seat the spring and use a floor jack to compress the control arm |
Perfect! Thank you! _________________ Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
|
Back to top |
|
|
davevickery Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2005 Posts: 2887 Location: Fort Collins, CO
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 8:23 am Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
I have the clam style strut compressor as posted above. Here is a set on ebay for a little less. ($85 shipped which is pretty great) I paid $100 and have used mine about 6 times and they are very sturdy.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MacPherson-Interchangeabl...ctupt=true
I fooled around with the free ones from autozone and found them frustrating and probably a little dangerous. There might be other cheap styles that would work, but the clam shell style definitely work great. The problem with the autozone style is finding a place to attach them where you can get enough turns without hitting something and getting a good hold on the springs on opposite sides so they don't want to slip off. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
drj434343 Samba Member
Joined: January 31, 2016 Posts: 397 Location: Portland, OR
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 8:30 am Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
llilibel03 wrote: |
Will these do to work on vanagons?
|
Using that style compressor is the only time I ever had a catastrophic failure while compressing springs. It fully let go, shot me in the face and split a hole in my chin. I'm lucky the damage was not worse.
I later determined that the single hook end (by the bolt head) has a tendency to want to twist off the spring coil in whatever direction you are currently turning the bolt head (tightening or loosening). This tendency is made worse if the threads aren't well greased.
Unknown to me at the time, my tightening motion twisted the hook right off the coil. Only took a millisecond.
After changing my pants, I bought the McPherson strut compressor set and never looked back. I would maybe use the classic style again if both ends had DOUBLE hooks, but there is still the challenge of making sure the pair is on exactly opposite sides of the spring. If one begins to drift around while tightening, they can both suddenly slip to one side, bowing out a partially compressed spring and potentially shooting it out. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
?Waldo? Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2006 Posts: 9752 Location: Where?
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 8:48 am Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
llilibel03 wrote: |
Will these do to work on vanagons?
|
I'm going to second what was just said. I actually have a set of those and they are scary. When the spring is compressed, they want to walk to be on the same side and shoot the spring out with deadly force. I also noticed the mentioned tendency of the single hook to rotate when the bolt is tightened/loosened. I added two greased washers between each bolt head and the single hooks. Also, whenever I have used them, I have used 4 exhaust clamps; one around both the spring and compressor at each of the hooks that press against the spring, essentially ensuring that the spring stays with the hook. That has saved me on one occasion where the two threaded rods popped to the same side and the spring popped out the other side in a loop. Quite frightening. Without the added exhaust clamps... yipes! Quite literally, someone could be killed.
After typing that all up, I think I'll go purchase one of the safer versions. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
llilibel03 Samba Member
Joined: February 03, 2008 Posts: 767 Location: Redondo Beach California
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 9:07 am Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
I ended up using ones that look like this-
My local FLAPS provides them for free so it was not necessary to buy them. To make sure they were properly rated I told the guy I had a full size pick up. They worked fine although it was time consuming cranking them down. No matter what compressors you use I would say it's still scary having all that stored energy around.
As far as the back just dropping out, that was true, but I found the springs would not go back in with the extra spacers I added ( to corrrect westy sag ) without disconnecting the CV joint. _________________ 87 syncro tintop
90 gl tin top
85 westy 2.0 tiico automatic (present) |
|
Back to top |
|
|
benandmj Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2012 Posts: 550 Location: Atlanta
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 9:19 am Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
I'm currently in the middle of Springapalooza at my house, swapping the springs on my Syncro front and rear multiple time. I have a new set of 4 GoWesty progressive 2" lift springs which have almost a full inch less lift than the old set of identical springs I just pulled.... Trying Schwenks next...that's for another thread I guess....
I bought these earlier this year and have been more than happy.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DP2CDJU/ref=p...&psc=1 _________________ 85 Westfalia Weekender
91 Syncro Westy |
|
Back to top |
|
|
westina Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2017 Posts: 368 Location: Beacon/NY
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 9:56 am Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
Great timing. Just removed the front shock&spring assembly. After removing everything such as lover control arm etc, loosen the bolt that sits on top of the shock(under the black plactic nut cover) and the assembly just popped once the nut removed. Should i have used a compressor, which i have actually somewhere around? And again when i install it back is it necessary to use one? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Igeo Samba Member
Joined: September 25, 2018 Posts: 888 Location: Oakland, CA
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 11:09 am Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
I think the compressor shown by Zeitgeist 13 is the best and safest. I just installed Schwenks on my 2WD using the threaded external type one can rent from autozone. It uses a cast fork that straddles one of the coils near the bottom. I got it done, but I tried to make sure that if the thing let go, that my head wouldn't be in the way. _________________ 1987 Westfalia 2.1 WBX Manual |
|
Back to top |
|
|
pushkick Samba Member
Joined: August 09, 2007 Posts: 1366
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 11:23 am Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
what about these compressors? are they easy to use/safe
_________________ i see said the blind man to his deaf dog
i am going to quit smoking and drinking and die a healthy man. gotta laugh
there is no deed to the planet earth
1990 vw automatic camper |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Igeo Samba Member
Joined: September 25, 2018 Posts: 888 Location: Oakland, CA
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 11:28 am Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
I could not get the one in the above post to work for me.
This is the Autozone compressor.
_________________ 1987 Westfalia 2.1 WBX Manual |
|
Back to top |
|
|
MsTaboo Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2006 Posts: 4065 Location: East Kootenay, British Columbia
|
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 12:41 pm Post subject: Re: spring compressors |
|
|
pushkick wrote: |
what about these compressors? are they easy to use/safe
|
They're ok, but not great. It's important to get them in just the right position so they don't interfere with the shock mounts and still compress the springs enough.
I would like to try a set of those horseshoe shaped type. As long as they didn't break it seems there would be easier clearance. _________________ Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec
The information age has morphed into the age of disinformation and willful ignorance. Agnotology!
Help the fight against Truth Decay.
Defend democracy, support Ukraine. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|