I mentioned in a previous post, about testing suspension, that I had seen what looked like a useful tool made by Sykes Pickavant (link at the bottom) and that I may have a go a making one. Well I've made it and tested it and it works. I made this with bits that were lying around in the garage so it was very cheap. Here's what I did if you want to have a go.

You need

- Length of Strong steel tube. Mine was 400mm long, 48mm diameter, 3mm wall thickness.
- Large thick washer OD at least the same as the tube diameter
- Bolt and large nut to fit the ID of the washer. I used M16 bolt and M16 threaded rod connector nut.


Method

1. Sandwich the washer between the bolt and nut after cleaning the contact surfaces and applying brazing flux. Tighten well.


2. Ensure the top of the tube is cut square. Clean it up, apply brazing flux and put the washer with the large nut facing outwards.



3. Braze the washer to the tube and the nut to the washer. (If you don't have access to brazing equipment you could probably get away with some form of notching of the tube/washer and using JB Weld?).


4. If your brazing is as untidy as mine, clean up excess braze from the surface of the tube. Grind / file off any excess overlap of the washer.



5. That's it. You can now use a socket and breaker bar and operate this tool exactly as the SP tool.



I tested the tool on my X300 Daimler and it does allow you to generate quite a shake for the suspension.






NOTE: If using the tube at right angle to the tyre it's important to lock the front brakes (I just use a standard long clamp with the arms reversed between brake pedal and seat).



Here's a link to the SP tool demo video on You Tube so you get the idea.

Sykes-Pickavant - Suspension Wear Indicator - 08085000 - YouTube