Front springs

[Essy 0]

Can anyone tell me if a Clarks wishbone spring compressor works on a mk5 Cortina front spring. Have had new front springs fitted and now the front is 3" higher that it should be. Springs fitted are the correct part number and are bedded properly. I would like to refit the original springs myself.

[sheffieldcortinacentre 740]

Sounds like there V6 or possibly P100 springs.

 

Do you have a pic of the compressor?

[Essy 0]

Hi. Thanks for your reply. Here is a picture of the spring compressor, I know it's not the right one as I need the type that fits into the shock absorber fixings. I can't get one of those for love nor money.

[sheffieldcortinacentre 740]

Any of the external ones are extremely dangerous on front springs as they are curved when fitting ( there will be loads saying they've done it loads of times).

The other way to do it with out the one that fits in place of shocker is to put a trolley jack under the arm & remove the inner lower bolt then lower complete arm.also remove top shocker bolt & loosen lower but leave in place it will help limit the firing range of spring.

[Essy 0]

Thanks for your advice. I was hoping to get a tool that works. As I am retired from the motor trade and remember wrestling with these in the 70s and 80s now approaching 70 my days of struggling with Jack's and leavers are long gone. Trying to find the right tool for these old cars is nigh impossible these days. 

[sheffieldcortinacentre 740]

Mine the thread is stripped it's done that many & the ones on my estate really need replacing.

The MK3 club has one I believe but only hires it to members.

[Essy 0]

That's interesting to know, thanks. I had a mk3 2.0 gxl. White with black vinyl roof. It was immaculate but eventually got stollen, as they often did! I wonder if they'd let me join for old time sake. I might try that as a Mk3 alumni 

[disco_monkey79 29]

2 hours ago, Essy said:

That's interesting to know, thanks. I had a mk3 2.0 gxl. White with black vinyl roof. It was immaculate but eventually got stollen, as they often did! I wonder if they'd let me join for old time sake. I might try that as a Mk3 alumni 

You don't need a mk3 to join. I joined (MK4 owner) in order to buy some bits they only offer to members 

[Essy 0]

Cheers. We will give it a try

[dgo 80]

If you're handy with a welder you can make the tool that runs up the middle of the spring.  You need some sheet, a big threaded bar and strong nut for that.  There's a diagram somewhere I'll see whether I can find it. 

 

I have one but unfortunately I'm not able to get up to my garage for a while (sorry).

[dgo 80]

Not the one I was looking for but there's a thread here that might be of interest:

 

https://www.buysellcortina.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/77113-mk345-coil-spring-compressor-tool/

 

 

[sheffieldcortinacentre 740]

People have used the threaded bar from centre of a a cortina etc side lift jack  before.

[Essy 0]

Thanks all for your imput, very much appreciated! I think I'm sorted and will check out the methods for getting one made up. Cheers again 👍 

[sierra3dr 53]

On 3/22/2026 at 12:57 PM, Essy said:

Thanks all for your imput, very much appreciated! I think I'm sorted and will check out the methods for getting one made up. Cheers again 👍 

I have my own custom built if you need it,although I am in Manchester,hoping you are not too far away

[sierra3dr 53]