Rear Shock Spring Compressor - To Buy or Loan

[pertonpc]

Hi Guys,

I fancy getting my ZRX shock springs off for a repaint.

Have been told I need this kind of thing -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/391256383159?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Anyone seen a decent branded one for a better price - or have one I could loan in the Cotswolds area (near Swindon/ Cirencester).

Thanks for looking.

From Mark

[becker]

Have researching bike spring compressors myself recently as restoring some early 70's TS125's and a Garelli. Borrowed some ones for car springs, but they are just too big/chunky.

Looked at those Sealy ones, but the feedback about them is not good and the claw looks a bit chunky to fit between the coils I have.

Probably going to buy something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/371592982475 this week. It does say for specific type of shock, but I reckon it would fit most of the 70's stuff I have and at £16 I'd be happy to modify to fit.

When I get it, I'll let you know if it works on the small bike shocks and if it could possibly work for the big bike stuff. You're welcome to borrow if it does.

[paul doran]

I have the sealey ones they are excellent

[weaver]

yep sealey ones work fine,put a thin piece of rubber over the spring when refitting to protect the coating.

[pluto]

I use 2 ratchet straps to do this, 1 either side of the spring , doesnt do any damage when refitting. Very cheap too!

[pertonpc]

Thanks Guys
Good info as usual.
From Mark

[becker]

So after trying several things to get the springs off, finally bit the bullet and ordered some of those Sealey spring compressors - the claws did look a bit chunky at first, but did fit between the coils worked great

[pertonpc]

Good info & pic ta.
I was a bit concerned with access cos the ZRX shock has a plastic sleeve sitting just inside the spring at the lower part - and I didn't want that to foul the hooks.
I might give the ratchet strap idea a quick try first - there will be no hook access issue - but I don't know if they can generate enough compression to free it off.
From Mark

[8 Valve Mark]

sealey spring compressors on my shopping list now Becker,what you gonna do about the chrome shrouds?

[pluto]

Here's the ratchet strap in action, I managed to pull these shocks apart with 1 strap

[becker]

Good info & pic ta.
I was a bit concerned with access cos the ZRX shock has a plastic sleeve sitting just inside the spring at the lower part - and I didn't want that to foul the hooks.
I might give the ratchet strap idea a quick try first - there will be no hook access issue - but I don't know if they can generate enough compression to free it off.
From Mark

Tried the ratchet strap idea, but couldn't get the hooks between the coils and other methods with the straps just didn't feel safe. Good luck.

[becker]

sealey spring compressors on my shopping list now Becker,what you gonna do about the chrome shrouds?

Shrouds and circlips off for rechroming - along with about 18 other parts from the TS gonna be pricey, but no other way - want to keep as many original parts as possible and replacements are really hard to get anyway.

[pertonpc]

Wow Pluto !!!
I have obviously underestimated the power a ratchet strap can safely exert.
Would not have believed you could do that with just one strap.
I plan to deffo use 2 to keep the pull even.
Thanks v. much for the pic
and to jack for his pm info on same subject.
Cheers Lads