8 replies to this topic

[mx5nut]

I have gotten to the point where I am ready to install the new cones and trumpets in my car. I got the cone compressor fitted securely and started compressing one of the cones without problems. However, I got to a point with compression where I was basically putting my whole upper body force into turning the compressor and still could not get to the point where the end of the knuckle joint would clear the bottom of the trumpet that I had seated up in the cone.

Am I doing something out of order here? I got to a point where I started getting concerned for my safety and also worried that I was over-compressing my new cones. I don’t know if it is a material point to mention, but I am installing Minispares Evo cones with standard trumpets. I have never done this before, so I also don’t know if this seemingly unreal amount of needed force is typical with new cones.

As always, thanks in advance for any perspective or assistance that can be provided.

[Spider]

You can compress them by more than 30 mm, but you'll likely find around 25 mm you can get it together. I found with the screw type compressors, firstly, grease or oil the thread and to get the required compression, I would slip a 600 mm length of pipe over one of the handles to get enough grunt in to it.

 

Also, if you haven't already, remove the Rebound Stop from under the Arm to let it drop that bit further and be sure to fit it before letting off the compressor tool.

[mx5nut]

You can compress them by more than 30 mm, but you'll likely find around 25 mm you can get it together. I found with the screw type compressors, firstly, grease or oil the thread and to get the required compression, I would slip a 600 mm length of pipe over one of the handles to get enough grunt in to it.
 
Also, if you haven't already, remove the Rebound Stop from under the Arm to let it drop that bit further and be sure to fit it before letting off the compressor tool.

Yes, I was already thinking about something for additional leverage, so good that you mention it. I will get to the store in a day or so and pick up a bit of pipe.

I do have the rebound buffers out and plan for those to go back in almost at the last minute.

[T.Harper]

Also if you have a compressor with two threaded studs then make sure you are using the right thread for the cones. Evos are metric if I recall

[Ethel]

If it's getting scarey you're about half way there  . You could consider slipping the top arms out & refitting with the knuckles & Trumpets installed, it takes a bit less room to slide the trumpet under the cone that way.

[mx5nut]

If it's getting scarey you're about half way there  . You could consider slipping the top arms out & refitting with the knuckles & Trumpets installed, it takes a bit less room to slide the trumpet under the cone that way.

I was actually wondering about that, so glad you chimed in. I’m out in the garage now and think I’ll try that in a bit.

[mx5nut]

Ok I was able to get one side fully installed (cone/trumpet/shock) by putting the trumpet on the knuckle joint first as Ethel suggested! Feels so good to have taken a big step forward tonight!

This is probably old news to all of you, but it is incredible to me just how tight and firm everything is with the new rubber. I was not even able to get the rebound buffer in when I tried to use a floor jack to push the upper arm up. I guess I’ll have to wait until I have the car back in the ground and try again at that point. I just hope this is not going to make reinstalling the swivel hubs a giant pain when trying to get the upper and lower arms spread far enough apart.

I am looking forward to finally driving the car with a fresh suspension. It is incredible how trashed the parts have been that I removed. The previous owner never did anything to the suspension in the 10 years that he owned it, so he never got a chance to truly enjoy what this car is capable of!

[Spider]

If it's getting scarey you're about half way there  . You could consider slipping the top arms out & refitting with the knuckles & Trumpets installed, it takes a bit less room to slide the trumpet under the cone that way.

 

Yes, that's an excellent way of putting it !
 

[Ethel]

Another thought,

 

There are two flavours of knuckle joint. The later one has a thicker flange to increase the ride height. Both should be usable though.