Re: [DML] front coil spring removal

["David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have used chains, steel strapping, C clamps, hose clamps, you name
it. I have even popped springs out using a floor jack. In all cases it
can be very dangerous, by looking at a spring you CANNOT tell how much
power is still in it. The problem for me with chains is that it makes
everything so heavy and they get in the way, and can get caught up as
you try to remove the spring. They can slip, and can you really trust
them? Weakest link and all that. From my experience the safest way is
with a QUALITY spring compressor. Treat it like a stick of dynamite
until you have safely released ALL of the compression. Don't drop it,
bump it, or leave it in the spring compressor. Wearing safety
protection won't help much if anything should happen. Review what you
are going to do and have ALL the tools you will need ready and nearby.
Get anyone who isn't needed out of there until you are done. If you
don't feel completly comfortable doing this kind of work then DON'T DO
IT! It isn't worth hurting yourself over a hobby to save a couple of
bucks. This and the torsion bar adjustment I consider among the most
dangerous mechanical procedures on the car. Even though the chain may
prevent the spring from shooting out it won't help if the spring
compressor lets go and parts of it go flying.
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757


--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Steve Stankiewicz <protodelorean@xxxx>
wrote:
> 
> An article in Hot Rod magazine some time back covered
> the subject of spring removal.  As a safety
> precaution, they recommended having a short (approx
> 24") piece of chain with one of those links that
> unscrews.  By looping it through the spring and
> through the frame, it prevents the spring from
> becoming a projectile should something slip or the
> compressor fail.  Obviously anytime you're dealing
> with forces like these, injuries could still happen,
> but I found the chain method a relatively easy way to
> add an additional layer of safety.  I've used it ever
> since reading the article.
> 
> =====
> Steve
> 
> VIN 2650 ("Project Delorean")
> www.projectdelorean.com








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