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View Full Version : How to compress door spring to remove door

Umby
07-01-05, 11:37 AM
I have a 1998, four door Jimmy. The drivers door drops about an inch when opened and needs to hoisted up when closing. Problem is warn-out bushings around the top and bottom hinge pins. I bought replacements parts but can only get the spring to compress about .25 inch by wrapping steel wire around it and twisting a nail through the wire. Is there a special tool or technique for a poor fool like me? Once out, I can always compress it in a vise and use my favorite wire, but I got to get it out first. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Mr. Dummas
07-01-05, 05:12 PM
There is a special tool for this spring. You may be able to purchase one from an auto parts store. I use a screw driver myself, but it can be a pain putting it back in.
jeffk
07-01-05, 11:01 PM
Most body and fender guys have one (at least I do). They are very difficult to get in without it and so easy with it.
Umby
07-06-05, 10:55 AM
What tool name do I ask for?
msargent
07-06-05, 05:36 PM
I bought mine at Napa, and it's simply a door spring compresser...Wasn't real expensive, and it beat the heck outta the screw driver trick LOL
Umby
07-07-05, 07:01 AM
"Door Spring Compresser"...Ha! Why didn't I think of that?
click here (http://www.mytoolstore.com/toolaid/colli04.html)
Thanks all for your help
msargent
07-07-05, 07:36 PM
Yup, that's the beastie... Now if they made something to knock those bushings in and out, or a little press of some sort.... :thinker:
Umby
07-08-05, 07:26 AM
Picked up the tool last night and replaced only the top hinge pin and bushings.
It took two hours...
I struggled the most with those bushings, especially trying to get them in.
Then my wife, who was really trying to help, looked over my shoulder and said "you do realize that those bushings are two different sizes don't you?..."
I was trying to put the new bottom bushing (bigger) in the top hinge hole (smaller). If it wasn't for her I'd still be out there.

One more thing:
The replacement pin package came with 1 pin, 2 (different) bushings, and
a very thin washer.
I couldn't get that washer on top of the pin to slide down after I popped the pin in. How do you do this?

Thanks again for the help.
slls
07-08-05, 10:38 AM
Yup, that's the beastie... Now if they made something to knock those bushings in and out, or a little press of some sort.... :thinker:

Will a bolt & nut with washers fit, just squeeze them in or out with a socket.
:)