SNKBYT
Enthusiast
Where can you get a spring compressor that will fit the stock Koni shocks to remove the springs to 
adjust the dampening?
adjust the dampening?
spring compressor to adjust shocks
- Thread starter SNKBYT
- Start date
Chuck 98 RT/10
Enthusiast
Crowbar works but you could bust your hand if you're not careful. Any auto store will have spring compressors for $15-$20.
opnwide
Enthusiast
get the hydraulic compressor from harborfreight tools. If you're going to be taking these things on and off, you want something fast. I think about $90.
I adjusted a (as in *one*) shock last weekend with one of the two piece bolt-on spring compressors that you have to bolt onto the spring, then alternate turning two separate bolts to compress. This was a frustrating exercise, so I would highly recommend one of the nicer compressors. Here's why:
First off, some brain trust put the bolt into the lower shock mount with the bolt toward the sway-bar link mount. So... I had to remove the lower sway bar from the A-arm (a taper-fit fitting, so, not just a simple un-bolt it thing). Getting the strut out is fairly easy after that, then you have to compress the spring to get the cap off. So, once I got it compressed (45-60 min or so, because I didn't get the compressor pieces exactly opposite each other, which means I had to do it twice) enough to get the top off, I had to uncompress it (almost another 30 minutes) to get the @#%%$@# spring compressor off of the spring in order to get the spring off the shock absorber. Then, to top it off, the Koni 8240 on the front left corner on *my* car only would adjust a total of 3.5 half turns (not the 5 or so I was expecting) - so, 1.75 turns total, and it was already at the 3/4 mark (something like 2.75 half turns), which is where I was going to put it anyway. So, then to re-compress the spring again (30-40 minutes), get the cap back on, uncompress, THEN the fun of getting it into the mounting location. Here's a hint - make sure BOTH front wheels are off the ground (not just the corner you are working on), as otherwise, you will find the shock is not fully extended due to the tension from the sway bar, and thus the strut is slightly compressed and VERY hard to get back in.
So, that spring compressor at Harbor Freight looks VERY inviting. The link to it would seem to be: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47890
I highly recommend NOT attempting to do it with the cheapy two piece screw-type compressors, such as like: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3980
First off, some brain trust put the bolt into the lower shock mount with the bolt toward the sway-bar link mount. So... I had to remove the lower sway bar from the A-arm (a taper-fit fitting, so, not just a simple un-bolt it thing). Getting the strut out is fairly easy after that, then you have to compress the spring to get the cap off. So, once I got it compressed (45-60 min or so, because I didn't get the compressor pieces exactly opposite each other, which means I had to do it twice) enough to get the top off, I had to uncompress it (almost another 30 minutes) to get the @#%%$@# spring compressor off of the spring in order to get the spring off the shock absorber. Then, to top it off, the Koni 8240 on the front left corner on *my* car only would adjust a total of 3.5 half turns (not the 5 or so I was expecting) - so, 1.75 turns total, and it was already at the 3/4 mark (something like 2.75 half turns), which is where I was going to put it anyway. So, then to re-compress the spring again (30-40 minutes), get the cap back on, uncompress, THEN the fun of getting it into the mounting location. Here's a hint - make sure BOTH front wheels are off the ground (not just the corner you are working on), as otherwise, you will find the shock is not fully extended due to the tension from the sway bar, and thus the strut is slightly compressed and VERY hard to get back in.
So, that spring compressor at Harbor Freight looks VERY inviting. The link to it would seem to be: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47890
I highly recommend NOT attempting to do it with the cheapy two piece screw-type compressors, such as like: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3980
jrkermode
Enthusiast
That hydraulic compressor probably won't work on a Viper (5" minimum spring diameter).
I purchased this manual compressor from Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43753 I needed to cut down the hooks about 1/4" to make them fit between the Viper's spring coils. After that, compressing the spring is a 1 minute job with an impact wrench.
I purchased this manual compressor from Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43753 I needed to cut down the hooks about 1/4" to make them fit between the Viper's spring coils. After that, compressing the spring is a 1 minute job with an impact wrench.
The hydraulic spring compressor does work on the coil over on the viper. I have used it many times with success. You have to take the coil overs off the car, but that is a sinch to do. I could take off all four coil overs and spring in less than an hour with the hydraulic spring compressor.
If you use any type of screw type compressor...you are asking for it....especially if you want to use an impact wrench on it....NOT a good idea! I know a few people that have lost their hands or got seriously hurt.
Agree with ab...however, IF those using the screw type use ANTISEIZE on the threads AS RECOMMENDED and there is LESS of a chance of a problem.
WD-40 is NOT antiseize...and using both WD-40 and an impact wrench is asking for trouble...especially with the $9.00 specials from Harbor Freight. Either way, at $9.00 a shot, one should consider these "disposable" in my opinion.
WD-40 is NOT antiseize...and using both WD-40 and an impact wrench is asking for trouble...especially with the $9.00 specials from Harbor Freight. Either way, at $9.00 a shot, one should consider these "disposable" in my opinion.
"AS RECOMMENDED" where? I think you're making a broad generalization about the instructions that come with two-piece screw type spring compressors that is not accurate. Lacking any specific instructions with the ones I own, I use grease, which works fine.
OK, I give - where was lubricant mentioned, WD-40 specifically? I don't see anyone saying anything about WD-40.
I'm guessing that you didn't follow the link that Jim (jrkermode) posted, or are otherwise mixing two postings together to contradict something that no-one said they did - the type of compressor he is using is a one-piece single screw type which goes for a bit more than $9, which does not have quite the issue the two-piece compressor's would. Agreed, I wouldn't necessarily use an impact on the one-piece (although I would indeed be tempted). If I'd used an impact on the cheapy two-piece ones I have, I'm sure it would have gone faster, but I have a lot of respect for the energy stored in those springs, and I wasn't even tempted. No-one suggested using an impact on the two-piece compressors.
jrkermode
Enthusiast
Yes, I use anti-sieze (not grease, not WD-40)
Yes, I run the impact real slow (hand speed)
Sorry, I figured whoever was considering changing springs was already aware of the usual precautions.
Yes, I run the impact real slow (hand speed)
Sorry, I figured whoever was considering changing springs was already aware of the usual precautions.
jcaspar1
Enthusiast
I used this one to remove/replace the springs on two occasions. Works well:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43753
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43753
DMC94
VCA Venom Member
ab:
When using the Harbor Freight hydralic tool - did you have to modify the "hooks" to use it? I find the "hooks" kept slipping off the springs when I tried to use it.
When using the Harbor Freight hydralic tool - did you have to modify the "hooks" to use it? I find the "hooks" kept slipping off the springs when I tried to use it.
Never had that problem. It comes with two different sets of adaptors to compress the spring. I will get pictures.
Okay, I am back with pictures!
Here is a spring to a Viper.
Here is the Hydraulic compressor
Here is the uncompressed spring in the compressor.
Note the groove the spring fits into to prevent slipping.
here is the spring compressed about 3.5-4 ". Hard to tell, but it is.
Here are my dirty hands after I took a shower to show you guys this example...
the things I do for you guys!
Here is a spring to a Viper.
Here is the Hydraulic compressor
Here is the uncompressed spring in the compressor.
Note the groove the spring fits into to prevent slipping.
here is the spring compressed about 3.5-4 ". Hard to tell, but it is.
Here are my dirty hands after I took a shower to show you guys this example...
the things I do for you guys!
it took me longer to write this up than it did to compress the spring.
JUCD VPR
Enthusiast
Great info Ab. Thanks alot for the pics!
DMC94
VCA Venom Member
Now I see the problem - I think I will need to strip some of the paint off the "hooks". It's pretty thick.
It might be sufficient to take some strong zip ties and zip-tie the sping to the hooks, or perhaps some hose clamps.
I purchased the same hydraulic spring compressor from Harbor Freight a few weeks ago, but have yet taken the time to do the work.
What you need to do is take the bottom of the coil overs and put them on the bottom hook..Then push the remaining sping into the top hook. Compress and it will lower the spring enough to tap the caps off safetly. You don't need to compress the spring more than you need too...just enough to take the caps off.
Digging up an old thread...
Harbor Freight no longer carries the portable hydraulic unit, according to their website and a recent visit. Anything similar found online line is quite a bit more expensive than I'd care to spend for a tool that will not see much use. There's one on Craigslist for ~$350. It seem all of rental tools and retail styles that rely on a long stud with adjustment nut have equal quantities of good and bad reviews. Anyone successfully used something like this with our springs?
http://www.tool-sale.com/strut-coil-spring-compressor-p-5013.html
Harbor Freight no longer carries the portable hydraulic unit, according to their website and a recent visit. Anything similar found online line is quite a bit more expensive than I'd care to spend for a tool that will not see much use. There's one on Craigslist for ~$350. It seem all of rental tools and retail styles that rely on a long stud with adjustment nut have equal quantities of good and bad reviews. Anyone successfully used something like this with our springs?
http://www.tool-sale.com/strut-coil-spring-compressor-p-5013.html
