10 replies to this topic

[kiwiminime]

Hi all,
 
I've got a set of hilos that I'm trying to install. Is there a way to remove the front trumpets without compression tool?

If I keep turning the trumpets will they unscrew and drop out - or is there more to it?

This is where I'm at...

Edited by kiwiminime, 10 December 2016 - 03:45 AM.

[Steve220]

Ideally to do this properly and safely you'll need a compression tool. The other way is to remove the upper arm pin but you risk chance of damaging it.

[pdaykin]

I once used a hacksaw to go most of the way through the trumpet. Then a hammer and bolster to finish breaking through. You can't really saw all the way through as the force in the donut traps the blade.

However I wouldn't recommend it. In my opinion it is unnecessarily dangerous.

Also, in my experience if your donuts are in good condition you will still need a compression tool to get the trumpet back in - although the mini height of hilos does vary so this may not be true with them all.

[kiwiminime]

Thanks guys, the tricky thing is that I'm in New Zealand and compressors are hard to come by.

Sounds like I may need to make it to a Mini specialist.

[Dusky]

If you Have a later Mini (think younger than 76 but not 100% sure) you only need to find a m14 thread end in atleast 10.9

[THE ANORAK]

Yeah, not to hard to make a compression tool if you can find the right size of studding. If you google some images you will see they are quite simple.

[Ethel]

Put it back together and sit it on its wheels so your improvised tool has less compressing to do. Be very careful not to put anything soft 'n squishy, like fingers, in the line of fire.

[whistler]

Thanks guys, the tricky thing is that I'm in New Zealand and compressors are hard to come by.

Sounds like I may need to make it to a Mini specialist.

Have a look at a picture of a compression tool. You could make one from threaded bar and a piece of scaffold and other useful bits of metal.

[Alpenflitzer]

Your tool should look like this one.......

Attached Files

•  Unbenannt.JPG   8.81K   2 downloads

Edited by Alpenflitzer, 10 December 2016 - 03:15 PM.

[Magneto]

It doesn't have to be that well made for a one-time use, I made one out of a piece of threaded rod and some electrical conduit and a couple of washers and nuts - worked perfectly.......hardware store probably has threaded rod that size, if not do you have a company called "Fastenal" in your area? They'll have the rod, nuts and washers.....

Edited by Magneto, 10 December 2016 - 04:27 PM.

[AndrewT]

Normal threaded rod will work but the quality and strength of it could be an issue. There is a lot of stored energy in a compressed cone and if it lets go when your hands are in and around it it could get messy.
A proper tool ordered from Minispares isn't expensive and delivery is pretty quick.