What tool to compress new shocks?

Hendog · 07-22-2011, 10:36 PM

I'm installing new Bilstein Sports all around (and torsion bars to match). This is a first for me so I'm learning as I go. I've searched here and found nothing. Google images comes up with compressors for MacPherson struts, but that's not likely what I'm after. What tool do I need to compress the shocks? If you have an image that would help greatly too.

TIA.

slodave · slodave's Garage

Your weight. Nothing special to it.

KFC911 · 07-23-2011, 04:55 AM

What Dave said. Take the new shocks and compress/decompress them a few times using your body weight (from above, braced against the garage floor) to force the shock to compress a few times and loosen them up a bit...then you'll be able to use "arm strength" to compress them for swinging under the fender lip. Put some duct tape (or somethiung) on the fender lip in case something "slips". Hope this helps...

redridge · 07-23-2011, 05:45 AM

no issues, no special tools.... just go for it.

john walker's workshop · 07-23-2011, 06:53 AM

on the fronts. disconnect just one side at a time and finish that side, or you fight the sway bar. you may need a suction gun to get oil out of the strut. on the rears, take off the top nut with the car on the ground. on installation, stick a 3" piece of hose on the top shock stud, fit the shock through the upper hole, attach the lower bolt, lower the car slowly, checking that the hose and stud doesn't get hung up in the hole and tighten the nut with the car on the ground. takes an hour.

Peter Zimmermann · 07-23-2011, 07:31 AM

I used to have a favorite crack in the floor at my shop. I would put the bottom of the shock in that crack, so it wouldn't slip and fly away from me, and compress it - about four or five times. Good exercise for the shock, and installer!