C15 rear springs!

[Bsim9751]

Hello all. Can anyone bring any light to what is needed to remove the rear springs on my c15? Apparently there is a special tool. I can’t find one anywhere. Is there another method? Does anyone know where I could get the tool? Could I make one? Any help appreciated!

[lexi]

If it is a spring removal tool that goes right up the centre of the coil spring, then you can make these. I made one for a Vel Satis from an old thread jack picked up from a van at scrapyard. It has the acme type rod that you need which is much better than mild steel threaded bar. A welder and a bit of fabrication will get you there. Forgive me if it is not that type of spring.

[RichardW]

I'm sure you can modify the type of spring compressor that has plates on it to be able to compress the spring.

The issues with these Lexi is that the spring is horizontal and needs to be compressed on the van; but it's quite small diameter, and there is not much room to get in. There was a Citroen special tool originally....

[RichardW]

This vid shows the sort of compressor required...

[lexi]

This vid shows the sort of compressor required...

Ah!.............I see now. Many way to make that and a bit of fun in the process

[van ordinaire]

I've never understood why, just because they're horizontal you can't use conventional compressors; I don't remember it being an issue with P6 Rover fronts.

However, I recall from when this was explored on the Visa forum, the trick was to use a carpenter's sash cramp.

[lexi]

I've never understood why, just because they're horizontal you can't use conventional compressors; I don't remember it being an issue with P6 Rover fronts.

However, I recall from when this was explored on the Visa forum, the trick was to use a carpenter's sash cramp.

I think the turrets that contain the spring, stop the conventional threaded hooks getting in there. On my Vel Satis, I heat forged 3 slim, but very strong hooks that would fit into the tight space. This held the spring compressed for removal, after removing my long acme threaded rod going up the centre. I posted the hook set to a VS club member for use and they got passed around. Made from scrap.

[Lighty]

The spring on a C15 can't easily be compressed in situ, because of very restricted access.
Also the spring is very strong, i.e. Very thick coils, with almost no gap in between.
If have found that if you remove the high limit bump stop from the subframe, then take the weight off the van, the extra travel created by removing the stop JUST, allows removal of the whole unit.
Have done many rear arm bearings & dampers using this method.
Roma home is very hard though as I believe the spring is even stronger than a normal van.

[lexi]

Sounds like some proper suspension going on here!