Topic: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?

[thomellis]

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

[madmtnmotors]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[70CB750]

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