Steering & Suspension

About Steering & Suspension

Steering and suspension tools are specialist equipment essential for professional mechanics, automotive technicians, and serious DIY enthusiasts working on vehicle maintenance and repair. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of professional-grade tools designed specifically for servicing, repairing, and replacing components within a vehicle's steering and suspension systems. From ball joint separators and coil spring compressors to track rod adjusting tools and driveshaft extractors, these tools enable safe and efficient work on critical vehicle safety systems.

Working on steering and suspension components requires specialist tools that can handle significant forces whilst maintaining safety and precision. MyToolShed offers premium products from trusted brands including Sealey, Draper, and Facom, each engineered to meet the demanding requirements of professional workshops and garages across the UK. Whether you're replacing worn ball joints, compressing coil springs for strut replacement, or adjusting track rod ends for wheel alignment, having the correct tools ensures jobs are completed safely and to professional standards.

Applications

• Professional Motor Mechanics – performing routine suspension repairs and MOT-related work in garages and workshops
• Mobile Mechanics – requiring portable tools for on-site vehicle repairs and maintenance calls
• MOT Testing Stations – diagnosing and rectifying steering and suspension failures
• Vehicle Restoration Specialists – rebuilding suspension systems on classic and vintage vehicles
• Fleet Maintenance Technicians – servicing commercial vehicles, vans, and company car fleets
• Agricultural Mechanics – working on tractors and farm machinery suspension systems
• Serious DIY Enthusiasts – undertaking home vehicle maintenance to professional standards
• Motorsport Teams – setting up and maintaining competition vehicle suspension
• HGV and Commercial Vehicle Workshops – handling heavy-duty suspension repairs on larger vehicles

Choosing The Right Steering & Suspension

Selecting appropriate steering and suspension tools depends primarily on the types of vehicles you work with and the specific tasks you regularly undertake. Ensure tools are rated for the vehicles you service—light passenger car tools differ significantly from those required for commercial vehicles or 4x4s. Check capacity specifications, particularly for coil spring compressors and ball joint separators, to ensure they can handle the forces involved.

Professional brands like Sealey, Draper Expert, and Facom offer superior durability and reliability compared to budget alternatives. For frequent professional use, investing in quality tools reduces the risk of failure during critical operations. Consider whether hydraulic or mechanical operation suits your needs—hydraulic spring compressors offer safer, more controlled operation for heavy-duty work, whilst mechanical tools provide portability for lighter applications.

Multi-piece sets with various hook sizes offer greater flexibility across different vehicle types. Look for tools with safety chains, secure locking mechanisms, and clear working load limits, as steering and suspension work involves significant forces that make safety features essential rather than optional.

Safety Information

Working on steering and suspension systems presents significant safety hazards. Compressed coil springs contain enormous amounts of stored energy—if released unexpectedly, they can cause severe injury or death. Always use properly rated coil spring compressors in matched pairs, and never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Ensure vehicles are on level ground and properly supported on axle stands rated for the vehicle's weight.

When separating ball joints or track rod ends, wear appropriate PPE including safety glasses, as components may release suddenly under tension. Follow HSE guidelines for working with hand tools and vehicle lifting equipment. After completing any steering or suspension work, it's essential to have wheel alignment checked professionally before returning vehicles to normal use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use steering and suspension tools on any vehicle type?

Not all tools are universally compatible. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for compatibility with your vehicle type and weight. Light passenger car tools typically aren't suitable for commercial vehicles or 4x4s, which require heavy-duty equivalents rated for higher forces and larger components.

Do I need hydraulic spring compressors for professional work?

Whilst mechanical spring compressors are adequate for occasional use on lighter vehicles, hydraulic models offer significantly better safety and control for professional workshop environments. They provide more even compression, reduce physical strain, and handle heavy-duty springs more safely, making them worthwhile investments for busy garages.

What's the difference between fork-type and pickle-fork ball joint separators?

Fork-type separators wedge between components to separate ball joints and are generally reusable without damaging parts. Pickle-fork designs are more aggressive but may damage dust boots in the process. Fork-types are preferred for joints you intend to reuse, whilst pickle-forks work well when replacing components entirely.