One of the main procedures when repairing the front suspension is replacing the struts. This applies to vehicles with MacPherson strut suspension when the strut is assembled. That is, the strut consists of a shock absorber, a spring and a support with a cup. All this is secured with a nut that is screwed onto the shock absorber rod. As a result, the strut is in constant “combat readiness” when the spring is working for compression and the shock absorber is working for tension.
But in this article we want to talk not about the work of the struts, but about how difficult it is sometimes for car enthusiasts to remove the spring. The thing is that the spring on the strut is quite powerful, which means its compression force is very large. As a result, when unscrewing the nut on the rod, the spring may “shoot”, which can lead to injury. Moreover, during reassembly, the question will arise of how to assemble the strut back, that is, compress the spring. To help car enthusiasts in this case, they mainly offer all kinds of spring pullers. This is usually a system of pins with hooks or washers. As a result, the springs are tightened by twisting the nut along the stud. This method of removing springs is quite viable, however, it also has its drawbacks. The main one is that it takes a long time to tighten and unscrew the nuts on the stud. In this article, we would like to offer you another alternative that copes with this task perfectly, while requiring much less effort from the mechanic.
A device for quickly disassembling racks and replacing (compressing) the springs on them in the garage with your own hands
The operating principle of this device is based on increasing torque by changing the shoulder of force application. You can say classic solution for most cases in mechanics. So the support points will be the wall, to which the shoulder is attached with a console, and the stand, or rather the spring. Here the forces applied to the stand will depend on the length of the arm lever. In fact, these are the handles of our device. You can simply sit on them and human weight is quite enough to compress the spring. Take a look at the picture.
And now, in order, how the replacement will take place, removing the spring from the strut. Initially, it is necessary to spread the arms of the device and install it on the cup above the spring. Next, we bring the shoulders together and fix them, for example, with a piece of pipe.
Then we simply sit on the pipe and thereby compress the spring. The force on the spring can be adjusted with your own body by sitting on the lever a little further or closer to the rack. Unscrew the nut holding the swivel support and the spring cup.
We carefully stand up, thereby relieving the compression stress on the spring itself, which is still installed on the rack. After straightening the spring, remove it from the rack.
We install and compress the new spring in the reverse order.
Summarizing the spring puller...
It must be said that the use of such a device is justified especially in cases where spring replacement on racks of this type occurs frequently. These are mainly car services. It should also be noted that the device is universal. It can be used to remove springs from the struts of any car, actually changing the height of the arm with which the spring is pressed. The work associated with removing and replacing the spring when using such a device will be significantly simplified, which is perhaps the determining factor when deciding whether to manufacture something similar in your garage.
The performance of shock absorbers greatly affects the overall condition of the car. Many car owners who want to save big on maintenance, independently replace such parts at home. For professionals, it is no longer difficult to replace either shock absorber protection or the devices themselves. But in this case, ties for the shock absorber springs are required each time. Such a device will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently, and doing it yourself, although not so easy, is still possible if you have some skills.
This article will discuss how to minimum costs money, time and effort - how to make zip ties and how to use them correctly.
There are many ways to make such a device. Their main idea is to save money and use unnecessary scrap materials to make an instrument. In any car market you will be able to find hydraulic device, which is easily used for repairs, but its cost is high for a small device.
If you dig around in your garage, you will definitely be able to find things there that seem unnecessary at first glance. Analyze whether they can partially recreate the design you saw on the market. It’s unlikely that hydraulic couplers for a shock absorber can be recreated, but they can be replaced mechanical device- is quite real.
Let's consider brief instructions How to make ties for shock absorber springs with your own hands.
- We remove the front wheel shock absorber and measure the size of the large spring that prevents replacement. We start measuring from the first large turn and end with the last one. We write down all the data on a piece of paper, preferably in one unit of measurement (centimeters or millimeters), which is more convenient for you. It is recommended to make clamps specifically for the front wheels, since these shock absorbers most often break and require repair.
- We find a metal one in the garage a strong pipe 2 centimeters in diameter and cut it into 4 pieces 10-15 centimeters long.
- Next, we find a standard rod with a diameter of 0.7-1 centimeters and cut it into pieces 20-30 centimeters long. You should have 8 such short strong rods.
- We find a threaded rod or buy a pipe with a diameter of 1.5-1.7 centimeters and cut it into 2 pieces, the length equal to the measurement obtained in the 1st point, which can be extended to 5 centimeters. If the selected tubes do not have threads, we cut them using a special tool from all edges of each piece over 10-15 centimeters.
- We process all the edges of the tubes and rods in such a way as to get rid of metal burrs; the edges should be even and smooth.
- We bend the metal rods equally so that they form a hook on one side. Please note that such rods are very strong and difficult to bend, so you can use additional tools.
- Using mobile welding, we connect the rods and short tubes so that the hooks are evenly located on both sides of the tube. We cut off the excess edges of the rods so that they are flush with the tube. We get 4 small products from rods and pipes.
- We put the resulting parts on long tubes and tighten large nuts at the ends. The hook is put on so that its smooth side faces the edge of the bar.
- That's all the work, the shock absorber tie is ready. It will fit both the front wheel and the rear (if you added a few extra centimeters to the bar). Test it on one of the shock absorbers and correct any shortcomings if any appear.
Keep in mind that the above methods for producing screeds are not the only ones of their kind; they can be changed or supplemented depending on the type of car, its model, skills and desires of the car owner. It’s worth using your imagination to make this mechanism simple and uncomplicated.
Application of screeds
Such ties can be used for both front and rear wheel shock absorbers. They perform the function of compressing a large spring, which protects the shock absorber from external influences. 
Since each type and model of car has individual parts, to produce ties, use only your own dimensions, and not standard ones taken from the Internet or other literature.
After all, you still have to remove the shock absorber, so what difference does it make - before or after the production of the ties? 
In conclusion, I would like to advise every car owner to take care not only about appearance vehicle, but also about its internal parts. For example, replacing shock absorber protection becomes very simple with zip ties. And if this procedure is done on time, you will extend the life of the shock absorbers for a long time. Take care of your car and it will reward you with a long and high-quality service life.
Video “How to replace shock absorber springs”
After watching the recording, you will learn how to remove and install rear springs on a VAZ car. The video also shows what tools you need to prepare for this.
When repairing or adjusting a car's suspension, it becomes necessary to fix the spring in a certain position.
There is a service tool for this work: a spring remover, with which you can remove chassis elements both in a specialized workshop and in a garage.
Various tool concepts:
Let's consider the second option in more detail.
How does a spring remover work, and what types are they?
What is a puller used for? It overcomes the straightening force of the springs. The applied force on the puller brackets is commensurate with the weight of the car, but this does not mean that its design is too expensive and high-tech.
There are many options, but they are divided into only two types: mechanical and hydraulic drive.
Mechanical spring remover
Most often it has a threaded drive mechanism. 
With a sufficient diameter of the pin (providing a good gear ratio on the thread), and a long handle of the key, you can compress the springs manually without excessive effort.
The technology is as follows: two pullers are symmetrically put on the rack. By turning the threaded rod, you bring the grips to the middle of the spring directly on the shock absorber, compressing it until required size.
Important: Why can’t a mechanical puller be used alone? When compressed, the spring bends; it is impossible to control this process.
Installing one puller on a spring will cause it to break.
Pullers placed on both sides ensure uniform compression. When working with suspension trucks or heavy SUVs, experienced craftsmen install 3 or even 4 pullers.
Correct installation spring pullers
Semi-permanent racks
Service stations often use semi-permanent struts to remove springs from shock absorber struts. 
The tool is quite universal and fits most pendants. Thanks to the drive mechanism gearbox, working with it is convenient and safe.
The only drawback– it is not always possible to compress the spring directly on the car. After all, this is a bench device: the puller works with the suspension removed from the car.
Popular: A do-it-yourself clamp makes the craftsman’s work easier and saves him money
Lever type
Pullers have a similar “problem” lever type. The mechanism is reliable and safe, but its dimensions do not allow it to fit into the space under the wing of the car. 
Hydraulic puller
Can be portable or stationary. It works on the principle of a jack: there is a main and a working cylinder. By pumping liquid using a lever handle, the operator compresses the power brackets, between which there is a spring. 
The compact two-section puller can also become an assistant in home garage, but a floor-mounted stationary machine is suitable only for a car service center. 
Pressure in hydraulic system pressurized using a foot lever. At the same time, the car mechanic’s hands are free, it is convenient and safe to work.
Of course, there are pullers with compressors, electric drives, and other devices that make life easier when servicing a car. This is all good until you see the price tag.
Sometimes it is more profitable to visit a car service center several times than to purchase an industrial puller for personal use. Which exit? Make your own instrument.
Manufacturing a shock absorber spring remover
Many car enthusiasts use a regular chain: they wind a few turns around the coils of the spring and tighten the chain. After lifting the car with a jack, the shock absorber strut is stretched, but the spring remains compressed. This dangerous way: If the chain slips, the released spring could cause serious injury.
How to make a simple puller similar to an industrial one
A mechanical semi-stationary “machine” can be created from a “Volgovsky” jack.
Materials used:
Drill, grinder, file, welding machine- such a set is either in the garage or available from a neighbor for a couple of beers. A platform from a corner is assembled to the top of the jack (where the turntable with the gearbox is located). Then a bracket according to the size of the support cup is welded to it. 
We screw the connecting rod to the standard support arm of the jack; the shock absorber strut will fit into it. 
No need to worry about the strength of the structure. The jack lifts the car, the connecting rod also withstands huge load. And to strengthen the cantilever structure of the bracket, we weld rods from the shock absorber rods. 
The puller is universal: the length of the shock absorber allows you to service any racks for passenger cars, as well as most SUVs. 
The next spring remover, which is easy to make with your own hands, is a tightening type. Suitable for small sizes springs, since it is unrealistic to develop a large force on such a device. 
The components are even more affordable than in the previous design. A piece of pipe, an angle and a long bolt M14 - M18. You can use a hairpin.
We weld brackets from a corner and sawn pieces of an inch pipe. The puller consists of two identical ties, so there should be four brackets. 
Be sure to weld the guide bushings for the studs. Otherwise, when tightening, the brackets will jam. 
The spring is tightened by synchronously tightening the nuts on the studs. If you use a set of 2 ties, they should be installed strictly symmetrically.
If you need to repair shock absorber struts or car suspension, the question arises of how to tighten the shock absorber spring. To achieve this goal, spring ties are used. They are necessary in order to compress and remove any type of spring.
Spring tensioning equipment
Spring ties can be of two types, depending on the basic principle of operation:
Mechanical- based on mechanical action on a spring. Their price is low, and they are often used by car enthusiasts.
Hydraulic– the action on the spring is created using a hydraulic pump. Used in large car repair shops. The price is much higher.
Spring pullers can also be portable And stationary. They don’t differ much in price, but they differ radically in the way they are used. If you decide to repair the vehicle yourself and do not know what kind of puller you will need, then you should pay attention to the diameter of the compressed spring. This is the main characteristic when choosing a screed.
Auto repair shops usually buy compressors with a wide range of possible sizes, since they are used on different cars. If you haven't given up on the idea of repairing your vehicle, then you need to pay attention to the fact that some models of couplers are offered by the manufacturer specifically for certain types of suspensions. But they can also be universal.
How to make a screed device yourself
If you calculate the price of the components of a spring puller, it will be significantly lower than the price of a finished puller. Therefore, the question arises: how to make a spring puller with your own hands. It is possible to make spring ties yourself. But at the same time you need to have a welding machine and the ability to make something with your own hands.
It is clear that the principle of their operation will be based on the mechanical effect on the spring. For one spring, two ties are required, secured on opposite sides for uniform compression. Their design is standard: a threaded rod with hooks and nuts. By turning the rod or nuts with a wrench, we can easily compress the spring. Since the design is simple, it does not require special skills in manufacturing. But you should remember that the device you make must be reliable, since now you are responsible for your own health.
Necessary tool
So, it is necessary to have welding machine And grinder. You also need to purchase two threaded rods with a diameter of 16 mm, four long nuts for this thread and steel pipe diameter 16-16.5 mm, fittings.
Manufacturing process
Let's consider the process of manufacturing shock absorber spring ties point by point:
1.
Cut threaded rods (2 pcs.) to the required size. Their length must be no less than the free length of the spring. Too much long rods will be inconvenient to use;
2. From the reinforcement, cut (8 pcs.) hook blanks approximately 30 cm long;
3. Cut cylinders (4 pcs.) approximately 10 cm long from the pipe;
4. Bend hooks from reinforcement blanks;
5. Using welding, weld two hooks to each cylinder. We carry out the welding process on a plane, achieving symmetry of the parts;
6.
We assemble the components (we put two cylinders on the rod with the hooks in the opposite direction and screw the nuts onto the ends).
In some designs, a long nut is welded in the middle of the threaded rod. Then the compression process is carried out with a wrench, turning the rod itself by the given nut. You can make a spring tie using an old jack. The main thing is that it is reliable and safe. Let's look at the process point by point:
1. Shorten the jack leg a little. Make sure that this does not affect the operation of the jack.
2. Choose a stand holder from the available tools. For example, we can take a connecting rod head or other suitable part from a car disassembly site. It is necessary that it be of a suitable shape and can withstand heavy loads.
3. We fasten the jack leg and holder. Since they consist of different materials, the use of welding is not possible. Therefore, we drill holes and secure with two bolts
4. We weld on the top part of the jack from metal corner top holder. For reliability, we make it a little longer in the form of a cut letter A and weld an additional stiffening rib to the jack body.
5. Using paint we give the structure an aesthetic appearance.
This holder is much more convenient to use than store-bought ones. The described methods for manufacturing shock absorber spring ties are not the only ones. They may differ in size, materials used and available means. It’s worth using your imagination and adapting it correctly at first glance unnecessary details in your garage, and this creative process will bring you pleasure not only financially, but also morally.
How to tighten a spring correctly
Since the process is a little dangerous, we will list all the points that make up the spring tie in order to completely secure it. Follow the main points:
1. Raise the car with a jack and install two ties on the spring on opposite sides;
2. Rotate the nuts with your fingers until the tie hooks and the spring are securely engaged;
3. Continue turning the nuts with the wrench. Moreover, the rotation must be carried out in small steps on different rods alternately. The spring should compress symmetrically on both sides.
4. Remove the spring if you are sure that it is securely compressed by the ties.
Using a device for compressing strut springs with your own hands, follow the rules:
Threaded connections Lubricate with grease before using spring ties.
Never remove the ties from a compressed spring, even if it is additionally tightened with a belt or wire. It may be dangerous.
Carry out work carefully. It is important that devices manufactured with my own hands, were safe to use.
Sometimes there are cases in which repairs have to be carried out in field conditions. And then the presence of spring ties is very problematic. The question arises of how to tighten the strut spring using improvised means. And it is possible.
If you have removed the shock absorber strut and want to compress the shock absorber spring for further repairs at home, you can use seat belts. This requires two belts. We pass them through the coils of the spring, one opposite the other, and tie each one with a bow. In this case, the outer coils of the spring should not participate in the compression process. Next, you need two reinforcing bars or two metal pipes, or just strong wooden sticks. They will serve as levers.
We put the spring on its side, slide the lever under the belt and twist the belt several times in the middle of the lever. To fix it, we tie the lever with a wire to the coils of the spring. We turn the structure over to the other side and use another lever to perform similar actions. If the spring is not compressed enough, then tighten the levers one by one and do not forget to fix them.
After the spring is compressed, we carry out further renovation work. At home, you can compress the shock absorber spring by various means: using a vice, etc. All methods are good, as long as they achieve ultimate goal and were safe for you. After analyzing all the options, you must choose the best one for yourself, which will bring you a satisfactory result.
Reading time: 4 minutes.
In order to tighten the shock absorber springs with your own hands, you need to purchase a puller and follow the simplest instructions. Then this process will become easy and accessible to everyone in the garage.
Quite often it happens that the shock absorbers on a car wear out or fail. This is not surprising, and there can be many reasons for such consequences. In this case, every car owner is faced with a number of troubles and the only solution may be to replace the shock absorbers.
It can be done in service center or in your garage, but this will require spring tensioners (some call them shock absorber coils), which require a special puller, as well as some knowledge and skill.
How does a shock absorber work?
A mandatory component of every shock absorber is a spring. There are now all sorts of progressive types of this mechanism, such as oil or pneumatic, but the design of each of them includes the same spiral element, which helps to maintain a given level of the car above the ground, and also facilitates work when there is a load on the shock-absorbing device itself.
Quite often it happens that the shock absorber is in perfect order, while the spring element has worn out, lost the necessary rigidity, or has completely burst. In this case, it needs urgent replacement, which can be done with your own hands only if you have a puller.
Exists back side medals, when everything is fine with the spring, but you need to carry out repair work on the shock absorber itself, in this case a puller will be indispensable.
What is a puller
Puller, this special device, which allows compression of the shock absorber springs so that repair work can continue in the future. Variations of this device There are many, but the most common puller for springs is two metal slats with threads cut along their entire length and hooks fixed on both sides, which, when turned, go towards each other. Those. when you need to compress the springs, you just need to turn the rack, and the fixed hooks will tighten the spring.
There is an even more simplified puller method - a belt puller. In this case, two “frogs” are used with durable fabric belts tucked into them. The belts are thrown onto the upper and lower coils of the springs, then the car owner begins to work with “frogs”, pressing each one in turn. Subsequently, these actions tighten the belts, and the “spiral” begins to tighten, after which repair work can be carried out.
Spring tightening process
Let's start with the fact that the pullers described above are not the only ones of their kind; there are several other configurations of this device; you can also make it yourself or simply buy it. However, without it, the screed will be a complete nightmare and an almost impossible task.
When starting to perform this operation, it is necessary, first of all, to remove the strut with the shock absorber, having first placed the car on a jack and securely fixed it.
Next, the puller is attached to the upper and lower coils of the springs, and manual work begins. Depending on the operating principle of your puller, you will either rotate some element of it, or, as in the case of the “frog,” alternately work with two pedals.
At this point, the tie can be considered complete; the main thing to remember is that you should not compress the spring completely, increasing the risk of breakage of both the spring itself and the compression device. It is enough to simply release the element you need from the pressure and repair or replace the shock-absorbing mechanism.
As for the use of a puller, it is designed to facilitate the entire repair process, because without it you would not only have to fix the stand with a vice, but also make enormous efforts to compress the springs; someone would need to hold them while you work on the entire mechanism etc.
Moreover, using this device, you make the repair process safe for yourself, practically eliminating the chance of spring failure.
Conclusion
The process of tightening shock absorber springs is a measure that every driver faces who wants to repair shock absorbers with his own hands, rather than take his “iron horse” to a car service center. However, without a puller, carry out this operation It’s not that it’s completely impossible, but it will be accompanied by a lot of difficulties and a fairly high risk for humans. If you use such a simple and inexpensive device for screeding, the risk is immediately minimized, and the work process itself becomes easy and quick.
