I’ve slowly been accumulating suspension parts so that I can rebuild and change the spring rates on my Triumph Tiger. While I had accounted for all the parts I needed, I realized I forgot to think through the tools necessary to do the job. I’m used to working on twin chamber off-road forks and shocks and the requirements for the cartridge forks differed, as did the shock. Today I want to discuss how to compress the fork springs so that the damper adjuster, spacers, and spring can be removed.
In the image below you can see the problem. In order to gain access to the lock nuts so the damper adjuster can be removed, the spring must be compressed so that the spacer can slide down out of the way.
While there are holes in the spacer to use, a simple bolt or rod cannot be pushed through since the damper rod resides in the center.
While there are holes in the spacer to use, a simple bolt or rod cannot be pushed through since the damper rod resides in the center.
Per the normalcy of the situation it was late at night and all the stores were closed, so if I wanted to continue I’d have to rely on resources at hand. What I ended up doing was threading safety wire through the hole and around the damper rod.
Then I took a ratchet strap, shielded the fork tube with a rag, and compressed the spring.
Now there are a few issues with this solution. First, there is an uneven force distribution since there is only one strap compressing the spring. What I mean is that when compressing the spring, the spring and spacer will have a tendency to be pulled off center towards the strap side. If the wire is threaded under the damper rod, the rod will be pulled this way as well and the wire will rub hard on the rod, potentially binding on the threads depending on the assemblies location. This is problematic and undesirable, so make sure if you try this to keep track of how the wire is threaded around the damper rod.
The intent of this article isn’t to say my solution is the best or the only way, rather I wrote it to give you an idea of how you may go about creatively solving problems. In fact, a quick google search using the term DIY fork spring compressor yields an impressive array of potential solutions. The main considerations when vetting solutions to any problems are to ensure the potential solution is, safe, will not damage the components you’re working on, is cost effective, time effective, and performs the necessary task.
I hope you enjoyed this write up and if you have your own methods you’d like to share please leave a comment below!
The intent of this article isn’t to say my solution is the best or the only way, rather I wrote it to give you an idea of how you may go about creatively solving problems. In fact, a quick google search using the term DIY fork spring compressor yields an impressive array of potential solutions. The main considerations when vetting solutions to any problems are to ensure the potential solution is, safe, will not damage the components you’re working on, is cost effective, time effective, and performs the necessary task.
I hope you enjoyed this write up and if you have your own methods you’d like to share please leave a comment below!
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