Like all things mechanical, over time car coil springs which provide suspension for the vehicle wear down. They don’t quite have the same spring, they get compressed too much, or the coils in some cases break. General wear and compression of coil springs eventually degrade the performance ride of a vehicle with old springs. The vehicle clearance off the ground can decrease, and the ability to compress and spring out of turns and maneuvers also degrades. Both reduce the performance of the car, particularly in sports cars and sedans. At a certain point, the springs need to be removed and replaced. This procedure involves the use of a coil spring compressor.
A coil spring compressor is a car mechanic’s tool which uses threaded leverage to compress a wheel axle spring. When compressed, the old spring can then be removed from the vehicle. The tools works by use of a threaded rod with jaw arms attached to the sides and flange in the bottom. By tightening a nut on the threaded rod, the jaws and flange move closer, squishing the spring inside.
To use the spring compressor tool, the car worked on needs to be lifted up and suspended in the air. This allows access to the wheel air and suspension mechanisms. Once suspended with either a jack, wheel stand, or a hydraulic lift, the wheel is removed along with the hub. This exposes the suspension so it can be repaired. Before any work is done, mechanics should always make sure the lift mechanism used is braced with wheel stands or hydraulic safety locks, depending which lift method is used. This will prevent serious injury or death should the car fall while working underneath it.
The tool’s specific use involves insert the coil compressor tool with jaws folded inward into the spring itself. Once in place, the jaws are then spread and latched onto the spring. The tool nut is then threaded tight so the jaws a firmly seated into the spring coils. Further tightening then compresses the spring and squishes it. Once compressed, the old spring can be taken out of the vehicle and its sitting position. To then remove the tool, the threaded nut is carefully unwound and loosened. Fast release is avoided as the spring may have a break in it and can pop off, causing harm with flying parts. Installing a new spring simply involves reversing the above steps to insert a new spring in the car’s suspension mechanism.
It’s important to confirm proper placement of a new spring before the loosening the coil spring compressor tool and replacing the wheel. If the spring is not seated properly in its suspension cups, the spring could bend or even break under the weight of the car. Visual inspection is critical before finishing the installation job.
Using a coil spring compression is required when working on a car’s suspension. Doing otherwise risks serious harm to the mechanic working on the car as the spring is under pressure when installed. Once that pressure is released dramatically, the spring can burst out as soon as the ball joint underneath the spring is loosened. Hands, arms, and even facial areas can be harmed if in the path of the burst spring. Again, this risk is even worse if the spring is broken, as separated parts under pressure can move in multiple directions.
Coil spring compressor tools come in a variety of designs. Some involve a center rod with jaws on both ends. Others use a pairing system with two compressing rods that hook to either side of the outside of a spring. Both sides then need to be compressed at the same time for safe operation. Most are manually operated, so they can be used even where there is no electricity immediately available. The designs that work the tool’s pressure may utilize power from traditional leverage methods such as threaded screws or ratchets. Alternatively, more modern and professional tool version may use hydraulic pressure to exert movement on a spring.
The tool can be found available from most automotive part and tool suppliers as well as from specialty tool retailers. The typical cost range for coil spring compressors spreads from $10 to $50 for basic tool versions. Higher end, more advanced compressors can run as much as $130 to $550 per unit. Many of these higher end models have stand-up capability and are designed to work on heavy machinery and large-scale commercial vehicles and trucks.
Mechanics looking to save money on tools will be attracted to lower-priced models. However, some consideration should go into the selection process. Mechanics should think about how often they will use the coil spring compressor and the type of vehicles that will be worked on. If the expected work is going to be frequent and heavy-duty, mechanics will gain better value for their money buying an upgraded tool versus a cheap one that will break faster.
When using a compressor tool, mechanics are well advised to avoid wearing loose clothes. Flappy sleeves and shirt parts can get snagged in the tool and spring being worked on since the mechanic has to get close to effect the work. Eye protection should also be worn in case anything slips towards the face area.
Like any tool, coil spring compressor tools needs to be maintained and treated to keep them in proper working order. Just leaving the tool around without care will quickly cause corrosion as the tools parts are made of steel which rusts. The threaded area should be lubricated regularly to allow the tighten nut to move easily. When not in use, the tool should be stored in a tool cabinet to avoid falling damage or getting misplaced. Finally, due to the fact that the compressor tool takes on such strain and pressure, it’s advisable to replace the unit with a new one when it gets damaged.
For those using coil spring compressor tool for the first time, working with an experienced partner will teach a person far more about its use. While guidebooks are very helpful, experience frequently remains a better teacher.
