Suspension Compressor X300

[poprivet]

Does Ken Jenkins still operate the club tool hire scheme? Worth giving him a call http://www.ukjag.co.uk/stock/

[PeterDavisX300]

I did make enquiry's about hire, and my first message explains exactly what I was going to do. I got no reply except what is seen on this thread. Perhaps it's because I'm in North Scotland, and stuff isn't easy to send, (I'm Five hours driving North of Carlisle) I find, it's easier to do my own work, and rely on myself, hence buying the Genuine Jaguar Compressor. The purchase of the item is £187.97 including VAT and Postage, it will get used twice, perhaps more, then it will be stored. I wonder with the so-called enthusiasts that there is not a 'sharing' system that we can help each-other with preserving these great cars. Maybe I'm not in that loop. But I'm wrong, and that doesn't matter now because I'll have my very own compressor next week. Fortunately I can do all my own engineering on My X300, and a couple of other cars. I'm not one of these 'dinky-toy-collectors' that send his car to the local garage or specialist as soon as the wrong fart exits the exhaust. Yes I could have probably made my Suspension-Compressor, but having read comprehensive literature on an American website, I decided it might be too dangerous to compress the spring without the correct 'Jaguar' tool. I think I might have been able to even do the job without the tool, but the way I had planned is a two-man job, and my trusted (equally-qualified) friend persuaded me to get the right tool.

[alec2824]

It has arrived. Thanks. I wish you luck with your project! Alec G.

[watto700]

G’day Peter,

I’ve only just read this thread and I rebuilt my front suspension some years ago and I have a suggestion re the spring compressor. Make one!

I did this by using a large threaded rod and drilled a hole through one end and used a long bolt shaft as the cross piece. At the other end a suitable nut and a number of thick washers. All this was well greased.

From memory the large rod was 5/8” dia and the length of the cross piece was 43mm. I’ve used my spring compressor several times without any problems whatsoever. It passes up through the spring and turns 90deg to engage in the suspension cross beam.

I have some pix of the compressor I made but don’t know how to post them. Maybe I could email them to you direct.

Cheers,
Jeff Watson
1995 V12

P.S Looks like I figured it out so here are the pix There is also a pic of the engine support beam I made to support my engine while I removed the front suspension.

[PeterDavisX300]

Thanks Jeff

As I said, I could have easily made one, but was persuaded by reading Jag-Forums in the USA to just purchase the right compressor. Apparently the rod can easily slip out of the top where it engages unless the correct bottom cups are in place to allow the rod to remain central whilst compressing. Anyway, I've got a genuine Jaguar item of my own now, just need decent enough weather to use it.

Peter

[Andy P]

Hi watto700.
Thanks for posting the photo's of the compressor tool.
Could you tell me what size diameter rod you used for the cross piece.
Your engine support looks good also .
Thanks and happy motoring.
Take care.
Andy.

[watto700]

G'day Andy,

I just went out into my workshop and actually found the spring compressor I had made years ago.

I used a 3/4" threaded rod and the cross piece was a 5/16" bolt shaft 1 and 7/16" long.

The cross piece has to be short enough to pass through the hole in the spring pan and the top spring mount and long enough to fit securely into the notches in the top mount. The compressor has to be passed up through the spring pan and top mount with the cross piece aligned across the car and then turned 90 deg to engage in the top spring mount

The large diameter of the threaded rod will prevent it moving sideways enough to dislodge and cause grief.

A pic of the compressor engaged in the spring turret.

When reassembling the lot I used a bolt shaft with the head removed screwed into the lower suspension arm to guide the spring pan onto it.

Cheers,
Jeff.

[Andy P]

Thanks Jeff,that's great info.
Take care.
Andy