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Removing a rear shock spring without special tools

  • Thread starter Thread starter SVSooke
  • Start date Start date
S

SVSooke

Guest
Think I seen this "trick" here but not sure where.
2012_01200004.jpg

A couple of ratchet straps threaded though the spring.A few cranks and the spring is down enough to remove the top retainer.
 
A spring can easily tear your face off. Those cheap straps are rated at 1000 pounds. I am not sure what the spring exerts at the compression needed to do a repair but be damned careful.

I once did a backyard strut spring removal and almost got killed.
 
I was trying a few myself.Good point on not leaving them compressed.Didn't
2012_01200007.jpg

as they all wandered past my buffer:dancing:
 
Great idea and extremely safe way to go about it! :clap: :clap: :clap:
With them "caged" like that, and using at least ten times the required breaking strength capacity restraints, very safe! :cool:

Daniel
 
Hmmm, a ton of energy continued by something from Harbor Fright should never be considered safe.
 
tkent02 said:
Hmmm, a ton of energy continued by something from Harbor Fright should never be considered safe.
Click to expand...
Harbor Freight?What's that?Do you think just paying more makes things better?Bet most of these are made by the same factory in China.
 
I just got an assistant (my eldest son) to slip the keepers in while I compressed my Progressive HD springs with my (gloved of course) hands. Perhaps I have gorilla grip, maybe...
 
Suggest not aiming a compressed spring at anyone.Realistically the spring rate of a motorcycle is well within the rating of 2 of these straps.Would NOT use this on a car spring!
 
Just for the record, I had special ordered a Snap-on 2 and 7/16" socket for a project at work that required 2500 foot pounds of torque to be tight and to spec.
When it came time to do the job, the Snap on 6-point HD socket broke!!! :mad:
Good thing that I happened to have a cheapo HF 2 and 7/16" 12-point socket to finish the job!
The Snap-on dealer was less than happy with the results and ordered a replacement for the over-priced socket.

Daniel
 
You don't even need tie straps to do this. A bit of rope and a stick. make a loop round the springs pop the stick in the loop and twist away, garotte style. Nice and safe too - just make sure the stick doesn't spin round and catch you in the knackers.
 
SVSooke said:
I was trying a few myself.Good point on not leaving them compressed.Didn't as they all wandered past my buffer:dancing:
Click to expand...
I see that "problem" exists somewhere besides mygarage. :dancing:

I usually 'trip' while carrying some aluminum bits and catch myself by using the buffer. :D

.
 
+1 on the spanish windlass. I use some clamps to hold the "stick" or piece of metal.

My 550 manual suggests two tire irons to force the spring down.
 
Steve said:
I see that "problem" exists somewhere besides mygarage. :dancing:

I usually 'trip' while carrying some aluminum bits and catch myself by using the buffer. :D

.
Click to expand...
No Steve you are not the only one with the "problem".Don't do as much as you but I do like it.

chef1366 said:
How did you get them off?
Click to expand...
Threaded them though the springs.When released you get the cam to where you unthread it and pull it out.
 
Remeber I couldn't remember where I'd seen this done?It was at my friend Aaron's,credit where it's due.
 
Last edited:
I think that is a great idea and even better that the spring compressors you can buy. How much force did the ratchet require to pull down on the spring at bottom? :)
 
gret job with cleaning them, nice and shiny, i gotta do that to mine, thanx for the tip
 
I have tried that and it work very well and smooth. You don't have too compress them so much to unlock the shocks. Those straps are strong enaugh to do that job.Again pretty easy and felt safe to me.Imo:)
 
Yes, thanks a lot for the tip. I was going to take them to a dealer to get the springs off but I'll do that right now.
 
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