Homemade Spring Compressor

[JMI]

Any site(s) with instructions and material list for making a spring compressor for the E34?

TIA

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

valve, suspension or piston return

[Jon K]

suspension most likely

Although we built a double valve spring compressor recently lol

[Dave M]

Easy. You'll need:

1) Tennis court
2) Wall or other solid object ~2.5-3' from the court. I've used planter boxes and sides of condos.
3) A quiet day when nobody is playing tennis

Now, squeeze the strut/shock assembly in between the solid object and the tennis court fence, ensuring the top bolt is easily accesible from INSIDE the court. Next, get inside the court (remember to wear not-marking, non-slip, comfortable shoes) and turn the top nut off, just as you would with a professional tool. Next, observe how much you flinch and how far the fence actually caves when the bolt finally busts loose.

OR, you can rent a real one for ~$10.

I don't condone use of the first 'tool' described ;)

Dave

[yaofeng]

Any site(s) with instructions and material list for making a spring compressor for the E34?

TIA

Why the trouble? Go to Autozone and borrow them for free.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

off of Ebay for less than $20.00, when I dropped in the Eibachs.

[Robin-535im]

Any site(s) with instructions and material list for making a spring compressor for the E34?

TIA

I used a tow strap once, for the rears. Just cranked it down by hand, one side at a time. Wrapped it over the top and bottom coils. Didn't lose any fingers so I count it as a success... though I like Dave's method better.

[Evan]

i don't recall a site with directions but google will find it for you in .0314 seconds

i'd use a few pieces of all thread, some nuts, some steel hooks, and an acetylene torch

[shogun]

It is dangerous when it breaks or slips (the selfmade one). That spring can injure you.
Buy one for your car or rent one.

[The Bigfella]

That spring can kill you - not just injure you.

I paid $28 for one.

[genphreak]

That spring can kill you - not just injure you.

I paid $28 for one.I prefer to pay someone. Take the strut down to them all cleaned up, any new bits you're putting in and have them do it on nice, safe hydraulic machine which gets everything straight. Much better than sweating and cursing and risking 20lbs of steel coming at you from close range...

[Ferret]

Easy. You'll need:

1) Tennis court
2) Wall or other solid object ~2.5-3' from the court. I've used planter boxes and sides of condos.
3) A quiet day when nobody is playing tennis

Now, squeeze the strut/shock assembly in between the solid object and the tennis court fence, ensuring the top bolt is easily accesible from INSIDE the court. Next, get inside the court (remember to wear not-marking, non-slip, comfortable shoes) and turn the top nut off, just as you would with a professional tool. Next, observe how much you flinch and how far the fence actually caves when the bolt finally busts loose.

OR, you can rent a real one for ~$10.

I don't condone use of the first 'tool' described ;)

Dave

Go Go Self Castration when that spring flies into your crotch :)

[Ross]

See my post on ferret's recent blown shock thread. Sorry, I don't know how to link it.

[JMI]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the point and the humor. My original concern was with using a cheap tool, store bought or not. Just cause it comes in a package doesn't mean it will not fail. Been my experience that with tools you get exacty "what you pay for" and sometimes even less.
Will go with getting one from AutoZone.

I have not done this type of project before so it will be a learning experience (http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=32828).

Thanks

[632 Regal]

highlight, right click copy, left click on reply paste from the edit button on top, direct paste dont work on this site (at least with firefox for me)
See my post on ferret's recent blown shock thread. Sorry, I don't know how to link it.

[DanDombrowski]

At first, I thought you were serious.

As I read on, I thought "What is this looney up to?"

Then I thought "This is just getting dangerous"

Then you spoiled the whole thing when you said it wasn't real :(

[Vanguard]

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=3980&CategoryName=&SubCategoryName=

$12.99

Worked fine with my both the stockers and the Eibach replacements. Safety clips were a bit awkward, but I was never uncomfortable during the process.

[Tiger]

No... not that one... This one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43753

[BigKriss]

Did this work well, do you need an air rachet to do up the bolt, or will hand tools suffice?


No... not that one... This one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43753

[Tiger]

hand tool suffice.