Which spring compressor kit?

[SAMMY650]

Hi all,

I've just brought a new spring for the shock on my k6. Any advice on which spring compressor kit to get? Does it have to be bike specific? There's loads on ebay, but not sure which ones to get?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sealey-Motorcycle-Coil-Spring-Compressor-VS1824-/390106593078?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item5ad42a3736

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Heavy-Duty-Coil-Spring-Compressor-Kit-AU8-/120602546801?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1c1478d271

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DRAPER-PAIR-SPRING-COIL-CAR-SUSPENSION-COMPRESSOR-TOOLS-/380171401134?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item5883fb37ae

Thanks

[yorkie_chris]

My advice is not to bother. Replacing the spring on the stock shock is a waste of time as the lack of rebound damping will be more evident with a stiffer spring.

A pair of automotive spring compressors will work, however you may need to grind the outside of the teeth down so as to fit inside.

[SAMMY650]

My advice is not to bother. Replacing the spring on the stock shock is a waste of time as the lack of rebound damping will be more evident with a stiffer spring.

A pair of automotive spring compressors will work, however you may need to grind the outside of the teeth down so as to fit inside.

Thanks for the info YC. I'm gonna give it a go with the new spring first as it was really cheap and if it really does feel bad, I'll be buying a shock of ebay from the many lists on here!

[andrewsmith]

+1

Was suggested to me by a mechanic, but SV shocks are budget (being polite about it)

edit: good luck with the swap and see how it goes

[yorkie_chris]

Thanks for the info YC. I'm gonna give it a go with the new spring first as it was really cheap and if it really does feel bad, I'll be buying a shock of ebay from the many lists on here!

Fair enough, I think you are throwing good money after bad though. You would better spend same on refreshing and revalving a shock from another bike.

When you have the shock off, you can make sure it's got nitrogen pressure by compressing the damper, there should be some resistance and the shock should extend on its own. If it stays compressed it means it's lost pressure and is (more) scrap than normal.

[rictus01]

just a word of warning (which I'm sure you don't need), but do bear in mind the amount of stored energy in the compressed spring, should anything go wrong it can be "eventful", if you aren't using a jig then a vice to hold everything would be advisable.

Cheers Mark.

[yorkie_chris]

Yeah if it's going to go "ping" then don't try anything silly just duck and cover. There's a 3" crater in a rebarred concrete wall down at my mates garage where a range rover spring made a bid for freedom ("suicide method" of spring compression involving a bottle jack and lockwire. Not advisable.)

[andrewsmith]

Yeah if it's going to go "ping" then don't try anything silly just duck and cover. There's a 3" crater in a rebarred concrete wall down at my mates garage where a range rover spring made a bid for freedom ("suicide method" of spring compression involving a bottle jack and lockwire. Not advisable.)

I'm guessing it was bye bye shock aswell!!!
3" pothole is impressive, whats the load on one of those shocks? (800kg i'd hazard a guess at)

[yorkie_chris]

The spring wasn't on the shock

[andrewsmith]

:offtopic: but apt

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:smt082