Author Topic: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING? (Read 11775 times)

PATRICKW · « **on:** February 21, 2007, 01:16:41 PM »

HOW CAN YOU STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING FAR ENOUGH TO CONNECT AT BOTH ENDS. I'M TRYING TO PUT MY CENTER STAND ON A 75 550. DO I NEED A TOOL TO STRETCH THE SPRING. ITS IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED
PW

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 21, 2007, 01:24:35 PM »

What's with the yelling ?
(ALL CAPS USUALLY MEAN U ARE YELLING !)

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #2 on:** February 21, 2007, 01:27:19 PM »

Maybe he is use to working on 3270 terminals.

To the original question. I'm sure others may suggest a better way, but I used the biggest screwdriver I had and levered the sucker on.

PATRICKW · « **Reply #3 on:** February 21, 2007, 01:27:57 PM »

No yelling, guess i just dont have the right tool to do the job.

clarkjh · « **Reply #4 on:** February 21, 2007, 01:29:33 PM »

I might be deaf but I can still read

Try shimming the spring with washers to help lengthen it out. Problem is it's allot easier to stretch it out while on the bike then after. $:-\$

James

supersport_CB400F · « **Reply #5 on:** February 21, 2007, 01:32:30 PM »

Quote from: clarkjh on February 21, 2007, 01:29:33 PM

I might be deaf but I can still read

Try shimming the spring with washers to help lengthen it out. Problem is it's allot easier to stretch it out while on the bike then after. $:-\$

James

Connect the spring to the main stand and then whatever the other end of the spring attaches with and use the stand as a lever and move it into position and pop the pivot tube through the loops on the frame if the stand is already attached to the frame take it off so you have just the stand and spring in one hand.

Cheers

Jim F · « **Reply #6 on:** February 21, 2007, 01:34:24 PM »

you can try to heat just one end or a couple of coils but no more as that will take the spring out of your spring

Jim

RRRToolSolutions · « **Reply #7 on:** February 21, 2007, 01:36:24 PM »

I use a brake tool from Autozone for my spring installations. It has a screwdriver handle and a recessed ball on one end made just for slipping the springs on drum brakes of your old Ford and Chevys. I think $3~4 and I've had it for years. I've never had a problem putting one on with it.

johnny-from-bel · « **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2007, 01:37:02 PM »

You need a tool for that. http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp?productID=8659&frostProductName=Brake%20Spring%20Pliers&frostCat=&frostSubCat=&frostubCatID=
Its called brake spring pliers but works just as well on your centerstand spring. Buy solid ones. Or make them youself.

I see someone beat me to it. The picture will show the tool

PATRICKW · « **Reply #9 on:** February 21, 2007, 02:02:02 PM »

I'll try the brake tool. thanks for the reply's

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #10 on:** February 21, 2007, 02:07:01 PM »

Beats the screwdriver I'm sure. I will have to pick one up myself.

jtb · « **Reply #11 on:** February 21, 2007, 02:29:19 PM »

I'm going to try never to take it off again

grumburg · « **Reply #12 on:** February 21, 2007, 03:17:36 PM »

I have found it is much easier to install when it is up.

jrrobertsjr · « **Reply #13 on:** February 21, 2007, 03:20:10 PM »

I looped some heavy gauge wire around my vice on the front and another loop on the back. Then I hooked the spring to each of the loops and opened the vice to pull the spring apart.

I put nickels where i could between the coils. Then pennies. Then dimes. On the top side and bottom to keep the spring straight.

Closed the vice. Put the spring on and pulled the coins out with some needle nose pliers.

Worked great. No special tools.

grumburg · « **Reply #14 on:** February 21, 2007, 03:22:55 PM »

Quote from: jrrobertsjr on February 21, 2007, 03:20:10 PM

I looped some heavy gauge wire around my vice on the front and another loop on the back. Then I hooked the spring to each of the loops and opened the vice to pull the spring apart.

I put nickels where i could between the coils. Then pennies. Then dimes. On the top side and bottom to keep the spring straight.

Closed the vice. Put the spring on and pulled the coins out with some needle nose pliers.

Worked great. No special tools.

TForgot about that one. Was posted a long time ago. Works good!

Cattledog · « **Reply #15 on:** February 21, 2007, 03:27:34 PM »

wire up a piece of bailing wire real tight to one end. Make this wire about 2 feet long, wrap the other end tightly around a broom handle, then pull it will one end of the spring is installed in the bike. Have a helper with needlenose pliers guide the end you want installed into the associate hole and viola, it is installed and still at its strongest.

Heating it will soften the temper and it will stretch out on you and not hold the stand up.

The pennies thing will work too. Just don't get your fingers pinched if a penny slips out.

736cc · « **Reply #16 on:** February 21, 2007, 05:18:04 PM »

SHOW THAT STUPID SPRING WHO'S THE BOSS! Use a big-ass screwdriver, loop the spring on the frame tang, stick the blade of screwdriver in centerstand tang while catching spring end on screwdriver shaft, lift the screwdriver while spring stretches and starts to slide into position, persuade the last little bit w/ a hammer. BOING! Its on.

pae · « **Reply #17 on:** February 24, 2007, 11:29:12 AM »

Quote from: _biffta_ on February 21, 2007, 01:32:30 PM

Quote from: clarkjh on February 21, 2007, 01:29:33 PM
I might be deaf but I can still read

Try shimming the spring with washers to help lengthen it out. Problem is it's allot easier to stretch it out while on the bike then after. $:-\$

James

Connect the spring to the main stand and then whatever the other end of the spring attaches with and use the stand as a lever and move it into position and pop the pivot tube through the loops on the frame if the stand is already attached to the frame take it off so you have just the stand and spring in one hand.

Cheers

Yep, this does it easily without tools. Take stand off, connect both ends of spring, refit pivot bolt.

regards, Phil

supersport_CB400F · « **Reply #18 on:** February 24, 2007, 11:48:08 AM »

Quote from: pae on February 24, 2007, 11:29:12 AM

Quote from: _biffta_ on February 21, 2007, 01:32:30 PM
Quote from: clarkjh on February 21, 2007, 01:29:33 PM
I might be deaf but I can still read

Try shimming the spring with washers to help lengthen it out. Problem is it's allot easier to stretch it out while on the bike then after. $:-\$

James

Connect the spring to the main stand and then whatever the other end of the spring attaches with and use the stand as a lever and move it into position and pop the pivot tube through the loops on the frame if the stand is already attached to the frame take it off so you have just the stand and spring in one hand.

Cheers

Yep, this does it easily without tools. Take stand off, connect both ends of spring, refit pivot bolt.

regards, Phil

I’m glad I’m not the only person with a brain!

Cheers

mcpuffett · « **Reply #19 on:** February 24, 2007, 12:58:57 PM »

I'm with biffta and phil , easiest way to do it

, mick.

edbikerii · « **Reply #20 on:** April 25, 2007, 03:16:03 PM »

Quote from: _biffta_ on February 21, 2007, 01:32:30 PM

Quote from: clarkjh on February 21, 2007, 01:29:33 PM
I might be deaf but I can still read

Try shimming the spring with washers to help lengthen it out. Problem is it's allot easier to stretch it out while on the bike then after. $:-\$

James

Connect the spring to the main stand and then whatever the other end of the spring attaches with and use the stand as a lever and move it into position and pop the pivot tube through the loops on the frame if the stand is already attached to the frame take it off so you have just the stand and spring in one hand.

Cheers

Holy cow that was so simple and easy! I can't believe that I didn't think of it myself. The hardest part was lining up the pivot bar with the hole in the frame while tapping it in. I'm really glad I stumbled on this post a few weeks ago.

ic455 · « **Reply #21 on:** April 25, 2007, 09:46:03 PM »

Quote from: 736cc on February 21, 2007, 05:18:04 PM

SHOW THAT STUPID SPRING WHO'S THE BOSS! Use a big-ass screwdriver, loop the spring on the frame tang, stick the blade of screwdriver in centerstand tang while catching spring end on screwdriver shaft, lift the screwdriver while spring stretches and starts to slide into position, persuade the last little bit w/ a hammer. BOING! Its on.

that's how I installed mine, was on in under 10 seconds.

bharvey60 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 10, 2012, 08:22:17 PM »

Vise stretch and penny spacers worked like a charm.

rbmgf7 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 10, 2012, 08:53:46 PM »

I've alway had luck with the screwdriver method. Slip the spring onto a skinny flathead screwdriver, plant the tip of the driver on the tang, and lift.

crazypj · « **Reply #24 on:** January 10, 2012, 09:18:40 PM »

I have a couple of tools for it.
Simplest one is a piece of 5/16"~3/8" bar with one end machined to 'catch' on hook, pin, etc
It's pretty much an end mill run into bar to make a 'C' shape about 1/4" deep.
Slide it into spring loop and lever into position (like using a screwdriver but easier and safer)

thomellis · « **Reply #25 on:** January 10, 2012, 10:54:28 PM »

+1 on shoving as many small, thin objects (washers, coins, etc) between the spring first. Then it usually slides right off.

madmtnmotors · « **Reply #26 on:** January 11, 2012, 04:31:16 AM »

Quote from: Ilbikes on February 21, 2007, 01:36:24 PM

I use a brake tool from Autozone for my spring installations. It has a screwdriver handle and a recessed ball on one end made just for slipping the springs on drum brakes of your old Ford and Chevys. I think $3~4 and I've had it for years. I've never had a problem putting one on with it.

This is the brake spring tool I use:

And a simpler version can be had from Jegs for only four bucks:http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/W159C/10002/-1?parentProductId=#moreDetails

The narrow end has a small cup-shaped cutout in the shaft to prevent the tool from slipping off the post like a flat blade screwdriver is prone to do. Slip the tool through the hook on the spring, place the cupped shaft over the pin on the centerstand, and lever the spring into place. Snap! Done!

Although... the centerstand may not use a post to hold the spring (I know the sidestand does). I don't recall ever having removed the centerstand spring so the spring spacers (coins/washers) as described in other posts may be the simplest approach if there is no post to mount the centerstand spring. I'll have to look at my centerstand spring when I get home..

mycb750k6 · « **Reply #27 on:** January 11, 2012, 07:06:15 AM »

I've always used a turnbuckle. Attach one end to spring and the other to somewhere in shop and then just turn the turnbuckle.

Ernest T · « **Reply #28 on:** January 11, 2012, 06:36:08 PM »

I Hook one end of the spring to the bike, then hook a hanger to the other end of the spring, loop a large screwdriver through it and pull it on to the hook on the bike. The large screwdriver let's me get leverage on the spring.

74750k4 · « **Reply #29 on:** September 23, 2012, 06:56:47 PM »

Stick a big screwdriver into the stand foot hole. Loop some THICK 12 GA. baling wire from the spring, and wrap 1/2 turn on screwdriver shaft, clamp the tails as they leave the screwdriver shaft with vise grips, and wind the visegrips to get your spring as far as necessary, push into position, and then unwind. Piece of cake.

Lostboy Steve · « **Reply #30 on:** September 24, 2012, 01:05:12 PM »

I used an old brake spring tool and literally stood on it for leverage while aiming for the nipple on the centerstand. It was a miracle but it worked.

Don R · « **Reply #31 on:** September 24, 2012, 01:48:42 PM »

Brake tool gloves and safety glasses. Don't heat it.

70CB750 · « **Reply #32 on:** September 24, 2012, 02:57:10 PM »

+1 for the hook spring first than install the pivot. It was natural.

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Author Topic: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING? (Read 11775 times)

PATRICKW

PATRICKW

supersport_CB400F

johnny-from-bel

PATRICKW

Cattledog

supersport_CB400F