Best way to remove a coil over shock?

SW EM

Member
Hey everyone,

I need to remove a pair of these coil over shocks, there is maybe 100lbs of pressure from the coil that I would need to compress. Does anyone have any clever ideas to do this?

I thought about compressing the entire shock, using zip-ties to secure the ends of the spring to itself, and then decompressing the shock in hopes the spring stays in a compressed state.

What could be some other options?
a253930.jpg
 
My dad had metal clips for use on struts, might get some @ auto parts stores.

I would not trust tie clips.
 
First off what is that on?? If it is a car or truck coil over it will be a whole lot more the 100LBS. They make spring compressors for doing that so be safe and go rent one. Most auto parts store have them and rent them for the cost of you pay for it you use it you bring it back and you get your $$ back
 
That is just like a snowmobile or atv shock. Google search for that style of shock rebuild and it will show pics of the tool used to decompress the spring.
 
6 worm type hose clamps threaded into the coils taking in about 4 coils each. Tighten and they will take up the stress. Jim
 
ratcheting tie down wrap it around both ends in circle and tighten just enough to maintain compression remove bolts pull out put in vice ect and release.
 
Whatever you do don't use zip ties unless you want to end up eating that spring. There is more tension on that spring than you think. They make J shaped spring compressors that will take it off. Try an auto parts store.
 
(quoted from post at 10:42:26 01/16/18) Whatever you do don't use zip ties unless you want to end up eating that spring. There is more tension on that spring than you think. They make J shaped spring compressors that will take it off. Try an auto parts store.
I rented a spring compressor from the auto parts store and this tool is designed to contain the spring once it is released. I would only trust this tool and not zip ties, or work clamps unless. as was mentioned, you like the idea of maybe eating this spring. JMHO.
 
(quoted from post at 10:21:17 01/16/18) Hey everyone,

I need to remove a pair of these coil over shocks, there is maybe 100lbs of pressure from the coil that I would need to compress. Does anyone have any clever ideas to do this?

I thought about compressing the entire shock, using zip-ties to secure the ends of the spring to itself, and then decompressing the shock in hopes the spring stays in a compressed state.

What could be some other options?
a253930.jpg

Click this >>>>>>https://www.harborfreight.com/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-set-63262.html
 
Go to your local chain parts store. They will loan you a coil spring compressor. You pay a deposit for it and when you bring it back they will return your money. Simple to use and safer than what has been suggested
 
(quoted from post at 17:34:05 01/16/18) Go to your local chain parts store. They will loan you a coil spring compressor. You pay a deposit for it and when you bring it back they will return your money. Simple to use and safer than what has been suggested

Or if you go to your local independently owned store they will just say "bring it back when you are done"
 
Zip-ties? Wow, you much like living dangerously. There are tools made specifically for this job. They are called spring compressors. Most quality auto parts stores loan or rent them out.
 
(quoted from post at 19:10:16 01/16/18) Zip-ties? Wow, you much like living dangerously. There are tools made specifically for this job. They are called spring compressors. Most quality auto parts stores loan or rent them out.

Wow SW EM is really taking a beating here! Well, ya know what? I bet that he really knows what a zip tie is! I bet also that he has even used them a few times. I bet that he even has a few different sizes on a shelf. He may even have some of those that are a half inch wide! I bet that also he is not the idiot that all you guys are making him out to be, and that he was thinking in terms of using a half dozen of some that are ten times bigger than the biggest ones most guys have ever seen! Like happens here so often, somebody leaves out a little detail of their explanation just because they are not professional keyboarders, and everybody dumps on them.
 
You're right showcrop, there's some big zip
ties out there. My buddy does HVAC and has
some huge ones, long ones, all sizes. He
used zip ties to cobble his lawnmower snow
blade onto his quad for a few days while he
was moving until everything made it home.
Held up too, just not real handy.
 
Thanks for all the replies, many good points made. Yes I did forget to mention that I have 175lb rated zip ties, over 200 of them
in bulk. Not the everyday zip tie...

I do like the idea about the hose clamps too.

The spring compressor tool did cross my mind, great idea as well.

I'll let you know how it goes. I should get to it next week.

Thank you!
 
that looks a bit small for the common strut spring compressors you find at many autoparts stores.

if you only have 1 or 2 i'd get the new shocks and take them to a local garage with a professional strut/spring compressor and have them do it. shouldn't cost too much.

i say that but i have a good local garage that has one that i trust. not everyone has that option.
 

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