Hotchkis Springs, compressor doesnt fit
03-22-2012, 06:49 PM
#1
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Hotchkis Springs, compressor doesnt fit got the front ones. they got very thight coils arround the middle to the bottom.
my compressor does not fit in the lower part. too tight.
did anyone install those front hotchkis? what kind of compressor did you use.
dont want to go to a shop.
thanks
Greg
my compressor does not fit in the lower part. too tight.
did anyone install those front hotchkis? what kind of compressor did you use.
dont want to go to a shop.
thanks
Greg
03-22-2012, 06:56 PM
#2
A shop wont cost much, $20 per side at the most.. if you were to buy the compressors that fit and WONT explode in your face, you will likely pay double what a shop will charge you.... Now, if you intend to use that compressor a few times than the investment may be worth it. I strongly recommend getting a good set of compressors if you do this yourself... producst like harbor freight sell are generally good for ONE usage but its not uncommon for people to use them multiple times if proper precautions/maintenance with the compressors are taken. What clamps are you trying to use on those springs?
03-22-2012, 07:23 PM
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A shop wont cost much, $20 per side at the most.. if you were to buy the compressors that fit and WONT explode in your face, you will likely pay double what a shop will charge you.... Now, if you intend to use that compressor a few times than the investment may be worth it. I strongly recommend getting a good set of compressors if you do this yourself... producst like harbor freight sell are generally good for ONE usage but its not uncommon for people to use them multiple times if proper precautions/maintenance with the compressors are taken. What clamps are you trying to use on those springs?
but the hotchkis have 3 coils more than the eibachs. the bottom is tight as hell, 1/2 inch space between the coils, less then if compressed. i guess there are not a lot of diy tools out there who fit those springs. I didnt not find any suitable in the web.
probalby a shop or i return the springs for bmr or eibachs.
03-23-2012, 07:47 AM
#7
A co-worker had an awesome spring compressor tool that didn't have any bulk to the hooks, but was still solid. It allowed me to loop them into the lower coils and then wedge them out when I was done, but I don't know how I would have done it myself without that compressor. I've looked for it online too, nothing.
Take it to the shop.
Take it to the shop.
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03-23-2012, 03:29 PM
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yes it is a PITA!! I checked today Autozone, Advance, Napa Parts. No tool for that spring. I checked a shop and it didnt fit in the machine!!
That spring is killing me
I am going to check two other shops, if no way I am going to return those springs!!
A warning to those who purchase Hotchkis and want to assemble with diy.
That spring is killing me
I am going to check two other shops, if no way I am going to return those springs!!
A warning to those who purchase Hotchkis and want to assemble with diy.
03-23-2012, 04:29 PM
#10
I borrowed this spring compressor from a friend to install my Hotchkis springs:
Once assembled, the coils were holding the "fingers" tightly between the lower coils just like you're experiencing. To get them out, I remember using a large pry bar to make some space between the coils, and another to pop them out. It was a 2 person job to do that safely. I think some other kind of wedge, possibly made out of wood, could work as well, but the options below are probably better.
I think this type may work better where you could get the u-bolt out easier.
Looking back... I think this might be the way to go for the Hotchkis springs (or have a shop do them for you, as mentioned):
http://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Hydrauli...ref=pd_cp_hi_2
Once assembled, the coils were holding the "fingers" tightly between the lower coils just like you're experiencing. To get them out, I remember using a large pry bar to make some space between the coils, and another to pop them out. It was a 2 person job to do that safely. I think some other kind of wedge, possibly made out of wood, could work as well, but the options below are probably better.
I think this type may work better where you could get the u-bolt out easier.
Looking back... I think this might be the way to go for the Hotchkis springs (or have a shop do them for you, as mentioned):
http://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Hydrauli...ref=pd_cp_hi_2
03-23-2012, 06:08 PM
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thanks for suggestions. I got to go to Sears and check those with the u-clamps.
only local store who has them. dont know if i can get the u- clamps out without hassle?
asked at pep boys to install, $ 45.00 one side!!! compressing and one nut to screw on!
only local store who has them. dont know if i can get the u- clamps out without hassle?
asked at pep boys to install, $ 45.00 one side!!! compressing and one nut to screw on!
03-28-2012, 01:06 AM
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boahh.... i did it!!
took me 4 hrs!! i used the Lisle 62300 Automotive Strut Spring Coil Compressor Tool .
actually i used two compressors. the first for compressing the whole
spring and later to switch the lisle ones on 2/3 of the spring !!
getting the u clamps out is tough. io hope i dont have to dissmantle soon.
those springs are a patience job!!
but i did it.
took me 4 hrs!! i used the Lisle 62300 Automotive Strut Spring Coil Compressor Tool .
actually i used two compressors. the first for compressing the whole
spring and later to switch the lisle ones on 2/3 of the spring !!
getting the u clamps out is tough. io hope i dont have to dissmantle soon.
those springs are a patience job!!
but i did it.
03-28-2012, 01:16 AM
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03-28-2012, 07:01 AM
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boahh.... i did it!!
took me 4 hrs!! i used the Lisle 62300 Automotive Strut Spring Coil Compressor Tool .
actually i used two compressors. the first for compressing the whole
spring and later to switch the lisle ones on 2/3 of the spring !!
getting the u clamps out is tough. io hope i dont have to dissmantle soon.
those springs are a patience job!!
but i did it.
took me 4 hrs!! i used the Lisle 62300 Automotive Strut Spring Coil Compressor Tool .
actually i used two compressors. the first for compressing the whole
spring and later to switch the lisle ones on 2/3 of the spring !!
getting the u clamps out is tough. io hope i dont have to dissmantle soon.
those springs are a patience job!!
but i did it.
Sears sells it as a Tekton, model number 5737. I actually Google searched that brand and part number and found several knock offs for really cheap. Not to rub it in, but that's the right compressor for these Hotchkis springs. I had both struts done in under an hour with this compressor, from parts to completed struts.