Front springs

[Pettsie]

Hi all.

I need to change my front springs for ones with, well, spring! The bible quotes a Ford special tool or 'make your own'. I would prefer to go the special tool route due to a lack of time and inclination to make one. Any suggestions? Also, on fast bumpy bends my s2 350 can suffer from quite bad bump steer. I assume that this is probably spring related as they are probably original? Any help gratefully received as usual.

[york33]

I'm assuming you mean a special tool for compressing the springs? I would highly recommend getting one instead of a DIY affair, unless you're good at DIY! I use a pair of Draper spring compressors. Basically a coarse threaded rod with two hook things at each end which you tighten with a socket.

I think you'll also need a ball joint splitter, can't recall, I did when stripping mine down. The tuning fork stylee is alright but you may need to belt it with a sledgehammer if they're as well attached as mine. There are various other styles of tool for this that are a lot better.

HTH :-)
Dave

[Pettsie]

Thanks Dave. The bible says that a normal spring compressor will not do. It seems to me they would and was hoping that someone could confirm this.

Ta muchly

[york33]

Guess it depends how you define normal! So long as they're man enough for the job, the fronts are quite chunky. What sort of condition are your dampers in? Mine had holes in hence not very good! Check the bushes too, while you're delving round that general area.

Good luck :-)
Dave

[Pettsie]

The dampers are two year old, 5000 mile AVO's. I think they are fine. I seriously think that the springs are 16 years old though. I am going to polybush the front end and fit new track rod ends (it will make me feel better) also. Then its 390 brakes and calipers (£££££££££££££££££).

Will be both good and shiny when I have finished.

[york33]

Guess they'll be OK then :-) Wouldn't be surprised if they're original springs, mine looked to be circa 1983 vintage! Hope you don't find any expanding foam for bushes when replacing yours...........

[jmorgan]

When I changed mine I ended up using 3 spring compressors. It was a right sod The bible way is easier. Problem is lack of space.
You can get threaded rod from a DIY store.
PS I tried it before the bible came out
Also thanks to Roy.

>> Edited by jmorgan on Monday 14th April 00:51

[shpub]

Pettsie said: Thanks Dave. The bible says that a normal spring compressor will not do. It seems to me they would and was hoping that someone could confirm this.

Ta muchly

Nope been there spent two days trying and there is an increased risk of them slipping and causing untold damage.

Steve

[Pettsie]

Thaks Steve. Can I get one of these special tools from a hire shop? Is there a chain of hire shops that does it or is it a phone around job?

[shpub]

I would make one as per the bible. £2 for the threaded rod and a few nuts. A couple of quid for a flat tyre lever. Bit of drilling and bob's your preverbial. Cortina's are not exactly the most common of cars so I expect most places won't have the tool anyway.

[Pettsie]

Ok I give up I will just have to make one only I am such a lazy sod.