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MG MGB Technical - looking for spring compressor


Hello.

I am looking for a Spring Compressor for my '67 mgb restoration project. Any insight/ideas?

Jim DeWaele
Jim DeWaele

If the engine is still in the car you don't need a spring compressor. You can put the front on jack stands and then use a floor jack to compress the spring on the removal and installation.
Jack Caulder

Hi, I assume you mean for the front springs? Here in the UK you can buy spring compressors from most motor factors. They are a threaded lengths of bar with "hooks" at each end. You put the hooks on the spring and using a spanner on the bar tighten the compressor to grip and compress the spring. They are not expensive. Good luck with the job.

Dave
Dave

I agree with Jack. If your springs are original, it probably doesn't even matter if the engine is installed. Just disassemble the kingpin and lower the spring pan with a jack while the frame sits on a jackstand. The spring will pop out of the pan with a prybar - with a small amount of preload. Yes - exercise caution!!! If your springs are in good condition or if your car is RB they won't come out as easy.
Jeff Schlemmer

Check with your local auto parts store. Many have tools of this type for loan or rent at very reasonable prices. If you plan on doing a lot of suspension work then the investment in your own tool would be worthwhile. Most auto parts stores will have spring compressors in stock in their tool section.
Bill Young

Jim,

To expand on what Jack offers, I've changed front springs (with the cross-member still attached) using just a trolley jack.

With the car supported on stands, place the jack under the spring pan. Loosen the three bolts and the sway bar nut. Remove the two bolts nearest the engine while the pan is supported by the jack.

Lowering the jack will release the tension on the spring (it doesn't move very much). The pan will swing clear and you can remove the spring. Installation is just a reversal of technique making sure the new spring seats properly in the cross-member and the pan.

I picked up this technique on this forum a while back so I can't take credit for it.

I originally tried one of those compressors that uses the hooks and threaded rods but couldn't get it to fit inside the spring.
Simon Austin

Yeah, I made the mistake of taking the front crossmember off my car then trying to use those hook type compressors to get the springs off. I gave up as I found they wouldn't fit too. I'll wait until I have the front back on and the engine in.

Simon
Simon Jansen

Unless you can jack up under the spring pan and lift the damper arms clear of the bump rubber using the weight of the car, which may not be possible if the engine is not installed, DO NOT undo anything on the swivel axle, dampers or spring pan or you will get an explosive release of spring force. Add more weight securely to the front of the car or wait until the engine is back in.
Paul Hunt

Gee: I must have killed myself. I had the front crossmember off the car and on a stand. Undid the four shock bolts and gently lifted the shock up and took the pressure off the spring. Lifter the crossmember with a come-a-long and pried the spring out. Really didn't seem too bad. Won't be able to assemble it that way, but removal was a piece of cake.
tom

Tony Barnhill had a replica made of MG coil spring compressor.

Here's a picture.

<http://www.mgbexperience.com/phorum/read.php?f=1&i=173053&t=172935#reply_173053>
Kimberly

This seems to get addressed about every three months.

Not to be left out...

I use the Moss Motors method.

Engine in car. weight on wheels.
garage jack under pan.
remove sway bar link from pan.
remove lower pivot to x-member bolts
drop entire assembly. I had to jack car up off assembly as jack was too "thick" to allow pan to fall completely away.

pry out spring.

Assembly is reverse of dis-assembly but aligning bolt holes can be a chore.

mike!
mike!

This thread was discussed between 07/12/2004 and 10/12/2004

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