Spring Compressor Tool

Spring Compressor Tool

Vw Performance Parts - Suspension / Handling Upgrades

There are a lot of aftermarket parts you can install on your VW in your own garage that will improve handling performance. You should do plenty of research before deciding which parts to put on your car. There are many forums online full of VW tuners that can give you a great idea of what parts you should or shouldn't install on your car. Chances are if a part exists someone has installed it and written about it on one of these forums.

Here are a few handling upgrades you can do that will make your car more fun to drive.

1) Sway Bars. If you take a corner at high speed and it feels like your car is falling over sideways you might look into upgrading your sway bars. An anti-roll kit helps keep your car flat during cornering. Aftermarket bars are usually thicker and/or stiffer than the stock bars, which is how they can perform better than the stock sways. Be warned however that this puts more stress on your tires grip on the road, so if you install sway bars on a VW with bald tires you could be asking for trouble. These can be installed yourself without a huge amount of trouble if you have the right tools and a place to do it. It will probably take several hours. Installing these bars will not impact the ride quality of your vehicle, which is great for those who like to take corners a bit crazy once in a while but not have the car feel stiff and bumpy all the time. A good set of sway bars (front and rear) will run you a few hundred dollars or so.

2) Lowering Springs. Aftermarket springs lower your car anywhere from .5 to 2 inches. This has the effect of lowering your car's center of gravity, which improves handling. These new springs also have different spring rates and will usually give you a much stiffer ride than the stock springs. While springs are generally really cheap ($100-300), installing them is not easy. You must have a spring compressor tool and know how to use it. These springs are under tremendous pressure with an entire car sitting on them, and if one should come loose while using the spring compressor it could easily kill you. Even with the knowledge of how this installation is done it can still take a long time. Unfortunately this also means that having them installed at a shop is usually going to cost you more than the springs cost. I've seen quotes of $150 all the way up to $600 to install a set of springs. Be aware that lowering your car too much can have other implications and you should do research on "camber" prior to choosing a set of springs.

3) Shocks. Replacing the stock springs but leaving the old shocks on there is going to cost you in the long run. Lowering springs put more stress on the shocks since they are more compressed under normal use. This will cause them to wear out faster. Depending on how many miles are on your current shocks it is probably a good idea to replace them at the same time as the springs. This is especially true if you're paying someone else to install them. It will probably cost almost the same amount to install shocks and springs as it will to install just the springs. You don't want to pay someone that labor fee again in a few months when your shocks need replacing. Once you've 'sprung' for new shocks and springs, you may want to consider looking into coilovers since the cost will be very close to the same.

4) Coilovers. Coilovers are a shock and spring combination that has the added flexibility of being adjustable. You can adjust the ride height of your vehicle. This is great if you take your VW to the track. You can lower it for racing and raise it back up for daily driving. The more expensive coilovers also feature the ability to adjust the ride stiffness. This also comes in handy if you race your car. You most likely won't want it set to maximum stiffness for daily driving. A set of coilovers can run between $500-1500.

5) Strut Tower Bar. You've probably seen these bars for sale. They're usually made of colored aluminum and go across the front struts near the rear of the engine. It is generally accepted that these don't do much for you in terms of performance, but they do make the engine compartment look nicer. If you decide to pick one up make sure you get the billet aluminum oil cap that matches.

6) Tires. Probably the most overlooked performance enhancement you can do for your car is to replace the tires. Adding lots of engine power won't do you any good if you can't get that power to the pavement. Replacing your tires with a wider tire or tires with a stickier compound will help you get more traction. Choosing tires is usually a compromise between Performance, Ride Comfort, and Tread Life. High performance tires don't last as long as regular ones. High performance tires can cost quite a bit of money too.

I hope this helped give you some ideas about the upgrades you can do on your Volkswagen. Just remember that making your suspension perform better will sacrifice passenger comfort. You may have more fun driving, but nobody will want to ride with you if your suspension is too stiff!

About the Author

Bill writes articles for automotive sites all around the Internet. VW Auto Parts is one of his specialties. Make sure you get the best upgrades for your Volkswagen!

Fork Spring Compressor Tool $149.95 Race Tech Fork Spring Compressor Tool Designed to work on most current sportbikes and road racers Allows the spring to be compressed while the fork cap is removed from the rod Can be used on or off the bike on most models

Coil Spring Compressor Performance Tool Coil Spring Compressor W89322 $63.6 PERFORMANCE TOOL PROFESSIONAL STRUT SPRING COMPRESSOR SET -- Works with most automotive and light truck applications; Made from drop forged steel; Includes locking pins for additional safety and two compressors; Comes in a handy storage and carrying case.. Auto Parts Warehouse has extensive Performance Tool Coil Spring Compressor catalogs.We are now offering FREE shipping on all Performance Tool Coil Spring Compressor orders over $50.00. Our secure performance tool coil spring compressor catalog is available every hour of everyday. Shop with confidence for all your performance tool coil spring compressor needs. Performance Tool Coil Spring Compressor are In Stock and available today. Save up to 60% off dealer price on your next Performance Tool Coil Spring Compressor purchase. Our online catalog contains a wide selection of the OEM and aftermarket parts you need at unbeatable prices

Valve Spring Compressor $32.95 This Valve Spring Compressor is an ''on the car tool.'' This tool makes compressing the spring and removing the keepers a simple job because there is no need to remove the head. Fast, because there is no need to readjust the tool after each spring. With adjustable cam action. A Product Of Lisle Tool

K Tool International McPherson Strut Spring Compressor. Each $39.1 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Clamshell Fits most cars Customers also search for: Discount McPherson Strut Spring Compressor, Buy McPherson Strut Spring Compressor, Wholesale McPherson Strut Spring Compressor, 769622703705, ToolWeb, Linkage To

Ford Valve Spring Compressor Tool $180.95 Compresses valve springs for quicker, easier camshaft, valve seal, valve spring or retainer service-because you don't have to remove the head from the engine first! It's an OEM-approved tool that you use with a 3/8'' ratchet or breaker bar. Works on: ? 1991 and newer Ford 4.6L, two valve, V-8 engines ? 1997 and newer Explorers with 4.0L engines.

Northcoast Tool Clutch Spring Compressor Tool. Each $63.66 Manufacturer: Northcoast Tool. Each. Features and Benefits: This tool will release the pressure plate for removal and installation of the retainer ring during clutch replacement Will fit 1990 - 1997 Big Twin Models Black Oxidized finish for durability Ma

NCT5609 Clutch Spring Compressor Tool $94.77 This tool will release the pressure plate for removal and installation of the retainer ring during clutch replacement. Will fit 1990 1997 Big Twin Models. Black Oxidized finish for durability. Made in the U.S.A. Dimensions: 8.7 L x 4.2 W x 2.1 H.

Clamshell Strut Spring Compressor $330.95 ? Servicing MacPherson struts is convenient and affordable with this compressor. It fits a wide range of struts and requires no special adapter shoe. ? Safety locking pins hold the compressor jaws in place. ? Tool compresses springs of 4'' to 9'' O.D., with wire diameters of 7/16'' to 11/16''. ? Built to use with an impact wrench.By OTC.

Northcoast Tool Valve Spring Compressor. Each $53.27 Manufacturer: Northcoast Tool. Each. Features and Benefits: Unique "direct action" compressor lever gives improved visibility and ease of use in areas of difficult access Collet release adapters included: restricted access adapter, 25mm, 30mm Cup and Bal

OTC Ford Valve Spring Compressor Tool. Each $109.42 Manufacturer: OTC. Each. Features Benefits: Compresses valve springs for quicker, easier camshaft, valve seal, valve spring, or retainer service-because you don't have to remove the head from the engine first! It's an OEM-approved tool that you use wit

OTC OTC7928 Ford Valve Spring Compressor Tool $157.93 This handy tool compresses valve springs for quicker easier camshaft valve seal valve spring or retainer service because you don t have to remove the head from the engine first It s an OEMapproved tool that you use with a 3/8 ratchet or breaker bar. Works on 1991 2004 Ford vehicles with 4.6L twovalve V8 engines; 4.6 4V 5.4 V8 and 6.8 V10. Works with standard 3/8 ratchet. Dimensions: 5 x 1.5 x 7.8 .

Lisle LIS16750 Valve Spring Compressor $51.92 Features and Benefits: Makes compressing the spring and removing the keepers a simple job No need to remove the cylinder head Adjustable cam action No need to readjust the tool after each spring Use with putting compressed air into the spark plug hole to hold up valvesValve spring compressor tool for replacing valve stem seals or valve springs quickly and easily.

Strut Spring Compressor $49.95 For safe and easy removal and installation of coil springs from McPherson struts. Built-in locking safety pins prevent tool from slipping off of the spring coil. Storage case complete with laminated instruction sheets with photos.

CalVan Tools Master Spring Compressor Set $82.95 Features 2 popular spring compressors Comes with the Master Mac Strut Tool and the Coil Spring Compressor Packaged in heavy duty blow molded case Includes spring gauge, acme threaded rod Features built in safety pins 2 in 1 Tool

K Tool International KTI70370 McPherson Strut Spring Compressor $56.75 Features and Benefits: Compressor works on most MacPherson strut assemblies and is used with replacements Use the compressor when replacing bent strut or strut tube and damaged spindles Use on or off vehicle Acme threaded screw for durability Made in the U.S.A. Not for use on GM A C J or X body cars.

Clamshell Strut Spring Compressor by OTC $279 Servicing MacPherson struts is more convenient and affordable when this tool is in your shop. It fits a wide range of struts and no special adapter shoes are needed. The compressor jaws are held in place by safety lockng pins. Tool compresses springs of 4'' to 9'' O.D. with wire diameters of 7/16'' to 11/16''. It can be driven by an impact wrench. Lifetime Marathon Warranty. Made in USA. Weight: 19 lbs. By OTC.

Coil Spring Compressor $54.95 For expanding and cutting exhaust pipe and dent removal. Cutting rollers produce clean, straight edges tool handle is applied. Storage case complete with laminated instruction sheets with photos.

CTA Universal Valve Spring Compressor $95.95 Use with the cylinder head still on the engine and in the car, or with the cylinder head removed Tool bolts to the head while the lever pivots from the base to compress the spring Removal and installation of spring retaining keepers is made through the openings on both sides of the compression tube. Services most domestic and import car engines

Universal Overhead Valve Spring Compressor $32.95 Remove valve springs on most cars with overhead valves without removing the cylinder head. Offset jaws grip the valve spring in parallel compression. Tool maintains constant length as spring is compressed. Use with 901 or 2992 Air Hold Fittings to keep valve in place.By K-D Tools.

Lisle Valve Spring Compressor. Each $34.86 Manufacturer: Lisle. Each. Features Benefits: Makes compressing the spring and removing the keepers a simple job No need to remove the cylinder head Adjustable cam action No need to readjust the tool after each spring Use with putting compressed air in

Lisle Adjustable Overhead Valve Spring Compressor $49.95 The jaws easily adjust for both offset and spacing to quickly fit and remove valve springs on overhead valve engines. Compressor comes with a turning knob that can be removed and replaced with a wrench for tight spots.     Tool In Use:

K-D Tools Valve Spring Compressor $20.71 Remove and replace valve springs in GM 8-cylinder engines. Heavy-duty tool replaces weak or broken valve springs and guide seals with cylinder head on the engine. Compressor is used by removing rocker and fastening tool to stud with nut. Pull on the handle to compress spring. Use with 901 or 2992 Air Hold Fittings to keep valve closed. Length: 12-1/2 inch.

KD Tools KD 912 Valve Spring Compressor $26.46 Remove and replace valve springs in GM 8cylinder engines. Heavyduty tool replaces weak or broken valve springs and guide seals with cylinder head on the engine. Compressor is used by removing rocker and fastening tool to stud with nut. Pull on the handle to compress spring. Use with 901 or 2992 Air Hold Fittings to keep valve closed. Length: 121/2 .

K-D Coil Spring Compressor $93.95 Use tool to remove and install automotive coil springs up to 5-5/8'' outside diameter. Designed to grasp a spring with a maximum ?'' wire diameter. Can be used on straight or curved springs. Forged alloy steel arms hug contour of helix.

Single Action Coil Spring Compressor $64.95 Remove, install and compress coil springs that can be reached through the center of the coil. Smooth bearing action and finest quality heat treated steel makes for safe, quick compression. Single turning action on central shaft. Fit tool inside spring. Use with a hand operated ratchet wrench to pull arms closer together. A front end shop must!!!!By Tool Aid.

SG Tool Aid SGT62500 Single Action Coil Spring Compressor Kit $68.6 Features and Benefits: Remove install and compress coil springs that can be reached through the center of the coil Smooth bearing action and finest quality heat treated steel makes for safe quick compression Single turning action on central shaft Fit tool inside spring Use with a hand operated ratchet wrench to pull arms closer together. A front end shop must Kit combines capabilities of SGT62200 and SGT62400 at almost half their combined price Handles standard compact and sub compact vehicles. Consists of standard Single Action tool plus shorter shaft for smaller vehicles.

Tool Aid TA 62200 Single Action Coil Spring Compressor $59.63 Remove install and compress coil springs that can be reached through the center of the coil. Smooth bearing action and finest quality heat treated steel makes for safe quick compression. Single turning action on central shaft. Fit tool inside spring. Use with a hand operated ratchet wrench to pull arms closer together. A front end shop must

SG Tool Aid SGT62200 Single Action Coil Spring Compressor $63.43 Features and Benefits: Remove install and compress coil springs that can be reached through the center of the coil Smooth bearing action and finest quality heat treated steel makes for safe quick compression Single turning action on central shaft Fit tool inside spring Use with a hand operated ratchet wrench to pull arms closer together. A front end shop must

Deluxe Universal Overhead Valve Spring Compressor $49.95 Compressor easily removes valve springs on most cars and light trucks. Tool can be used with the cylinder head on or off the engine. Features a removable handle allowing use with 5/8'' socket or wrench in confined areas and an extra-long leg for more applications. For best results, use with 901 or 2992 Air Hold Fittings to pressurize the cylinder and keep the valves in place during removal of the spring and keepers. Includes: Long Leg, length 3 15/32'', Short Leg, length 3 5/32''By K-D Tools.

SG Tool Aid Single Action Spring Coil Compressor Kit. Each $52.64 Manufacturer: SG Tool Aid. Each. Features Benefits: Kit combines capabilities of 62200 and 62400 at almost half their combined price! Handles standard, compact and sub compact vehicles. Consists of standard Single Action tool plus shorter shaft for sma

KD Tools KDT3450 Coil Spring Compressor for up to 55/8 Inch Springs $127.78 3450Coil Spring Compressor Features and Benefits: Use tool to remove and install automotive coil springs up to 5 5/8 Inch outside diameter Designed to grasp a spring with a maximum 3/4 Inch wire diameter Can be used on straight or curved springs Forged alloy steel arms hug contour of helix

OTC Clamshell Strut Spring Tool. Each $216.25 Manufacturer: OTC. Each. Features Benefits: Servicing MacPherson struts is convenient and affordable with this compressor It fits a wide range of struts and requires no special adapter shoe Safety locking pins hold the compressor jaws in place Tool com

SG Tool Aid Single Action Spring Compressor. Each $48.93 Manufacturer: SG Tool Aid. Each. Features Benefits: Remove, install and compress coil springs that can be reached through the center of the coil. Smooth bearing action and finest quality heat treated steel makes for safe, quick compression. Single turn

Lisle LIS59550 Adjustable Overhead Valve Spring Compressor $71.9 Features and Benefits Jaws easily adjust for both offset and spacing Quickly adjusts to fit and remove valve springs on overhead valve engines Heat treated strong arms are narrower than other types to easily fit more applications Comes with a turning knob or can be used with a wrench or ratchet Quickly make adjustments unlike other tools on the marketThe new easily adjustable and sleek design fits more applications than other valve spring compressors on the market Makes compressing the spring and removing the keepers a simple job no need to remove the head. Also there is no need to readjust the tool after each spring making it a fast and simple job.

Shock Spring Compressor $36 Progressive Suspension Shock Spring Compressor Takes the hassle out of changing springs Fits many shocks *Note:?Made to fit most full size shocks.

MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor $39.95 The MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor quickly compresses the coil spring to replace shock absorber or spring sets, or to repair damaged spindles on all vehicles with MacPherson Struts. Features safety hook set, Acme threaded rods and ductile alloy cast hooks with high tensile strength for safe and easy operation.

Valentino Spring Hook Tool $7.99 Valentino Spring Hook Tool

Rigotti Spring Tool $15.99 Rigotti Spring Tool

Compressor Turner Tool $37.95 ? Designed to provide the user with an easy way to rotate the compressor shaft prior to start up if there is no Hex-end or nut on the clutch hub ? Reduces potential compressor damage - less warranty work ? OE recomended ? Works on clutchless hubsBy Cliplight.