Working on your car’s suspension often requires specialized tools, and spring compressors are essential when dealing with coil springs. Instead of purchasing expensive, brand-name Suspension Tools For Car, many car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics opt to create their own. This approach can be both cost-effective and tailored to specific vehicle needs. One such ingenious DIY solution, shared by a seasoned car enthusiast, involves using readily available materials to fabricate a robust and functional spring compressor.
This guide delves into the details of constructing a homemade suspension tool, perfect for tasks like replacing bushes or handling coil springs on vehicles like the Jaguar XJ40. The beauty of this DIY approach lies in its simplicity and effectiveness, proving that you don’t always need to spend a fortune on specialized automotive tools.
Constructing a Simple DIY Spring Compressor
The core of this DIY suspension tool is its straightforward design, utilizing a threaded rod and some basic metal components. Here’s a breakdown of the materials and construction process:
Materials Needed:
- Threaded Rod: A 500mm length of 22mm threaded rod forms the main shaft of the compressor.
- Hardened Steel Bar (or Roll Pin): An 8mm hardened round steel bar, or a roll pin, is used to create a secure point of contact within the spring housing.
- Angled Pipe: A piece of pipe, cut at approximately a 45-degree angle, is crucial for guiding the spring pan back into position. This angle mirrors the wishbone’s angle, facilitating the simultaneous bolting of all six bolts.
- Washers: A few washers are needed to prevent the nut from slipping through the angled pipe during operation.
- Locating Dowels (Optional but Recommended): Two 8mm x 75mm bolts, modified into locating dowels by removing the bolt head and grinding a point, can significantly aid in aligning the spring pan with the wishbone.
Step-by-Step Construction:
- Prepare the Threaded Rod: Ensure the 22mm threaded rod is clean and lightly oiled to allow for smooth operation.
- Attach the Steel Bar/Roll Pin: Securely attach the 8mm hardened steel bar or roll pin to one end of the threaded rod. This will act as the upper contact point within the spring housing.
- Prepare the Angled Pipe: Cut the pipe at a 45-degree angle. This angled cut is key to the tool’s functionality, allowing for angled compression that matches the suspension geometry.
- Assemble the Components: The washers are placed against the angled pipe to provide a stable base for the nut as it tightens, compressing the spring.
- Create Locating Dowels (Optional): Modify two bolts into locating dowels for easier spring pan alignment during reassembly.
Using Your DIY Suspension Tool:
The effectiveness of this homemade spring compressor lies in its practical design. The angled pipe is particularly clever, ensuring that when you are reinstalling the spring and pan, it ascends at the correct angle, parallel to the lower wishbone. This alignment is crucial for easily starting all six bolts simultaneously, a task that can be challenging with conventional tools. The tighter the fit of the rod within the top spring housing, the more stable and effective the tool will be.
Advantages of DIY Suspension Tools
Opting for DIY suspension tools, like this spring compressor, offers several benefits:
- Cost Savings: Fabricating your own tools can significantly reduce expenses compared to purchasing professional-grade suspension tools for car repair.
- Customization: DIY tools can be tailored to the specific needs and dimensions of your vehicle, potentially offering a better fit and functionality than universal tools.
- Skill Enhancement: Building your own tools is a rewarding experience that enhances your understanding of automotive mechanics and tool design.
While professional suspension tools are readily available, crafting your own, like this spring compressor design, proves to be a viable and resourceful alternative. For car enthusiasts and DIYers, it’s a testament to ingenuity and a practical approach to car maintenance.
