Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Can anybody recommend a quality spring compressor. I am having trouble compressing rear spring down to about 7" using the comp's as shown in photo, compressed to 11" at moment. The existing comp's are 300mm so looking at 380mm. Found plenty on eBay but are they safe, ie no makers name.


I Like the ones that have two attatchment claws at top and bottom, less chance of slipping.

Help appreciated, Les.

I was about to open a new topic regarding the front springs, but maybe better to keep it all in the same place. I'm looking at the front springs which I'm not sure conventional compressors will even fit between the coils. What has everyone used in the past? Motorcycle spring compressors?

I've seen ratchet straps used on motorcycle springs... not sure how I feel about this method however.

You're right, conventional compressors won't fit, so I made my own using 4 lengths of threaded studding and end plates I made myself. The whole thing forms a cage which is much safer than just two arms too. There's a pic of the arrangement on page 2 of my rebuild thread " restoration of S2 - EOK". If I knew how to transfer the pic I would, but despite my best efforts it defeats me

Thanks Mike, How did you do that? I'm just hopeless at that sort of thing.

1. Right mouse click on picture "open in new tab"
2. Copy the URL of the picture (http://images.lotuselan.net/lel/31093/1/SNV32316.JPG)
3. Come back to this thread... reply
4. Hit "Img" & paste the URL from step 2 between the tags
Should give:

I have a couple of decent pillar drills, the quill action has enough mechanical advantage to compress coil over springs and retain them in complete safety using the quill lock while I secure them with ratchet straps (the ideal) or lockwire (be carefull with this and go belt and braces).

They can then be slid onto the coil overs or rear struts and released whne the retaining caps are in place or even in situ on the car if you want to be able to articulate the suspension first.

It is the safest method that I have found over the years and the only way I will now do the job after far too many Lucky escapes!

I 'wimped out' and took mine to Spyder in Peterborough who fitted them for a reasonable fee. I looked at the various solutions on Youtube involving large numbers of cable ties and decided I liked living too much!!
I did try a couple of motorcycle dealers first but they were unable to help.
Spyder also fitted plastic sleeves around the shock absorber bodies as they said this would help stopping them from squeaking...

Carl

Bought these. As these are 380mm long, hoping to capture more coils and so reduce coil to 7". Just got to wait for delivery.
Will update, les

I think you will be disappointed they're like mine and you can't get them between the coils, hence I built the cage, sorry

Topic was for rear springs at start Compressors should be ok for rear springs I hope.
Les

Ah sorry Les, yes they're ok for rears. Didn't realise you original post had been highjacked