How to squeeze the shock absorber spring?

If you need to repair a shock absorber strut or otherscar suspension detailsand there is a need to remove/install the springs, the question may arise "How to properly compress the shock absorber spring?" In auto repair shops, special equipment is used for this purpose, with the help of which you can safely compress and install the springs. But are there alternative ways and is it possible to compress the spring at home?

What are the spring tensioning tools?

There is equipment to perform this workhydraulic and mechanical typeand differs by place of work:

• are installed on the table;
• manual

Desktop typeis a very safe option for this task. As a rule, people do not have such a device in their garage, but in workshops such a tool is usually used. And if you have the opportunity to use the services of a service station, it is better to entrust this work to a qualified mechanic with the necessary tools. In this way, you will protect yourself from possible risks and injuries when performing this type of work.

Simpleralternative, which will answer the question "How to properly compress the shock absorber spring?" - thishand tool(universal ties or pullers), which uses hooks to hold the spring.

To make a charge, it is necessary to compress the hooks with a key. To work with this tool, you need to carefully select the length of the tie rods for your springs, because most often their length is not enough to compress the high springs of an SUV. In addition, if you need to chargeoff-road reinforced or cargo springswith a large thickness, it is necessary to work with 3 or 4 ties at the same time to hold and compress them to the required height.

How to make screeds at home?

Given its simplicity, this tool makes perfect sense to make yourself, taking into account the size and safety margin you need. For this you will need:

• 4 elongated nuts;
• 2 threaded rods;
• steel plumbing pipe;
• steel rod

The manufacturing process is quite simple:

1. It is necessary to cut 2 identical cylinders with a length of 80-120 mm from the plumbing pipe.
2. Cut 8 rods with a length of 30 cm from a steel rod.
3. Bend them with the help of bending equipment into the shape of a hook.
4. Weld 2 rods to two nuts and 2 rods to the plumbing pipe cylinders.

Welding must be done as shown in the figure, having previously placed the workpiece on a flat surface (for convenience).

How to compress shock absorber springs?

It is necessary to tighten the springs on the carusing a jack and standsthat hold the car body. Tie hooks are attached to the penultimate turn of the spring. Next, with the help of a key of the required size, you need to alternately tighten the nuts on both ties. And the attached hooks will gradually tighten the spring to the desired height. For insurance, it is better to fix the compressed spring with a strong belt or wire.

How to compress the shock absorber spring with improvised means?

If the problem has caught you on the road and needs to be repaired on the spot, there is a simple onemethod to compress the spring using belts. You will need two for thisstrong fabric belts with hooks and ratchets(with crackers or "frogs").

The belts need to be put opposite to each other on the upper and lower coils of the spring and gently press the ratchets one by one, gradually pulling the belts and compressing the spring.

But, it is important to remember that when using the use of improvised means for this type of repair, you are exposed to a high risk of injury when the belt or self-welded tie-rod breaks and it is better to entrust this work to workshops with the correct and safe equipment.