Fitting spring to DHX 5 coil shock

misnoma
misnoma Posts: 7
edited August 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
Hey all.

I've borrowed a Fox DHX 5 coil shock off a friend, and am currently working on getting the correct weight spring for it, since I'm more of a fatty than he is :)

I measured up the shock and ordered a nuke proof spring from CRC when ordering, I noticed that the spring length was exactly the same length as the space between the collars on the shock - a perfect fit!

Or... not quite. It would be a perfect fit once the spring was installed, however to get the bottom collar installed I need to compress the spring by about 3-4mm. Once the collar was on everything would be gravy, and I could adjust it as usual with the preload collar.

So, does anyone have any good hints as to how I could compress the spring a little bit so I can get the collar back on the shaft? There's obviously the "go buy a shorter spring" option, however that's proving a little tricky with timings as I'm due to go on holiday, and for 4mm it seems slightly irritating to return this spring. Clearly I need the bicycle version of spring compressors :)

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    more force. use levers etc and squash it. (taking care not to damage anything).

    it is not complex.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
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  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    BIG cable ties and lots of 'em (Halfrauds have 'em).

    Use them to compress the spring slightly, fit it to the shock, reinstall the collars, then snip the ties.

    Obviously a proper spring compressor is preferable but for a one-off job they're expensive unless you have a friendly neighbourhood motorcycle mechanic who could loan you one or even help you to do the job.

    Also, if you're going to use cable ties don't wrap them round the very end coils of the spring or you won't be able to remove them!
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  • misnoma
    misnoma Posts: 7
    Thanks for the quick replies :) I like the cable tie idea and will give it a go tonight.
  • thin ratchet strap if you have one?