Skip to main content

FAQ - X'COMP

๐Ÿ“˜ General Informations and questions about the X'COMP

Nicolas Beal avatar
Written by Nicolas Beal
Updated over 2 weeks ago

โ“ What is the X'COMP?
The X'COMP is a next-generation spring compressor designed for mounting and dismounting MacPherson struts. It allows shock absorber replacement in complete safety.


โ“ What is the compression capacity of the X'COMP?
The X'COMP has a compression capacity of 4.5 tons, making it compatible with the majority of vehicles on the market.


โ“ What types of shock absorbers can it handle?
The X'COMP is designed for MacPherson-type shock absorbers, covering approximately 95% of the automotive market. Some specific models may not be compatible.


โ“ Is the X'COMP certified?
Yes. It complies with Directive 2006/42/EC and is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified.


๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Safety and Usage

โ“ What safety precautions must be taken before use?
The following PPE must be worn:

  • Safety goggles ๐Ÿ‘“

  • Safety shoes ๐Ÿ‘Ÿ

  • Head protection โ›‘๏ธ

  • Safety gloves ๐Ÿงค

Also:

  • Check connection to the air supply

  • Ensure the machine is securely fastened to the floor


โ“ How does the X'COMP safety system work?
The X'COMP is equipped with a safety door that prevents access to the cage during operation.
No adjustments are needed, making it user-friendly.


โ“ Can it compress reverse-wound springs?
โœ… Yes. The X'COMP is compatible with reverse-wound springs.


๐Ÿงฑ Installation and Maintenance

โ“ How do I install the X'COMP?

  • Place on a clean, flat surface

  • Connect to a filtered, lubricated air supply (6.5 to 10 bar)

  • Secure the unit to the floor or wall to ensure stability


โ“ What is the recommended maintenance frequency?
Monthly maintenance is advised, including:

  • Cleaning the columns

  • Cleaning the strut clamp

  • Cleaning the piston seal

  • General inspection of the machine


โ“ What should I do in case of malfunction?
Contact SAM Outillage hotline:
๐Ÿ“ž +33 (0)4 77 92 13 00
๐Ÿ“ง reclamation@sam.eu
Do not attempt repairs or modifications yourself.


๐Ÿš— Compatibility and Special Cases

โ“ Is the X'COMP compatible with all vehicles?
The X'COMP is compatible with about 95% of vehicles, except certain models (non-exhaustive list):

  • Mercedes C-Class (2017)

  • Audi Q5 Quattro (2015)

  • BMW 3 Series (2009)


โ“ What if the shock absorber mount has studs?
Reposition or screw the mounting nuts onto the studs before operating.


โ“ Can it be used for fork-shaped struts?
โŒ No. The X'COMP is not compatible with this type.
The fork must be removed before use.


๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Warranty and Support

โ“ What is the warranty period for the X'COMP?
๐Ÿ•’ 3 years from the date of purchase.
โœ… Covers: manufacturing defects
โŒ Does not cover:

  • Normal wear

  • Incorrect connections

  • Improper use


โ“ Does the warranty cover user modifications?
โŒ No.
Any modification or use of non-SAM parts voids the warranty.


โ“ What should I do in case of breakdown or anomaly?
Contact SAM Outillage support:
๐Ÿ“ž +33 (0)4 77 92 13 00
๐Ÿ“ง reclamation@sam.eu


๐Ÿ“ Compatible Dimensions and Spare Parts

โ“ What shock body diameters are compatible?
The strut clamp has 3 positions:

Position

Compatible Diameter

1

40 โ€“ 45 mm

2

45 โ€“ 53 mm

3

53 โ€“ 60 mm


โ“ Can I reorder centering rods or a kit?
Yes. In case of loss or breakage, you can reorder:

  • A complete kit

  • Individual rods

๐Ÿ“ฆ Component References:

Code

Description

PXCP-10

Centering rod ร˜10 mm

PXCP-12

Centering rod ร˜12 mm

PXCP-24

Centering rod ร˜14 mm

PXCP-26

Centering guide ร˜14 mm


โ“ The upper threaded part is stuck in the mount and cannot pass through.
โ€‹Solution 1: Decompress and recompress the spring with the machine while guiding the shock rod using the appropriate centering rod and guide.
โ€‹

Solution 2: Insert a wrench onto the threaded part and turn counterclockwise until it comes out enough to install the top nut. Use a ratchet wrench.
โ€‹

If, however, it's difficult to get the shock absorber rod through the cup, there's a second solution. This involves inserting a wrench corresponding to the upper thread of the strut into the shock absorber rod, then turning counter-clockwise. The upper threaded part should rise up through the cup until it is sufficiently extended to position the nut securing the upper part of the shock absorber. The use of a ratchet wrench is recommended.


๐Ÿš— Compatibility and Special Cases

โ“ Is the X'COMP compatible with all vehicles?
The X'COMP is compatible with about 95% of vehicles, except certain models (non-exhaustive list):

  • Mercedes C-Class (2017)

  • Audi Q5 Quattro (2015)

  • BMW 3 Series (2009)


โ“ What if the shock absorber mount has studs?
Reposition or screw the mounting nuts onto the studs before operating.


โ“ Can it be used for fork-shaped struts?
โŒ No. The X'COMP is not compatible with this type.
You must remove the fork before using the machine.


๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Warranty and Support

โ“ What is the warranty period for the X'COMP?
๐Ÿ•’ 3 years from the date of purchase.
โœ… Covers: manufacturing defects
โŒ Does not cover:

  • Normal wear

  • Incorrect connections

  • Improper use


โ“ Does the warranty cover user modifications?
โŒ No.
Any modification or addition of non-SAM parts voids the warranty.


โ“ What should I do in case of breakdown or anomaly?
Contact the SAM Outillage hotline:
๐Ÿ“ž +33 (0)4 77 92 13 00
๐Ÿ“ง reclamation@sam.eu


๐Ÿ“ Compatible Dimensions and Spare Parts

โ“ What shock absorber body diameters are compatible?
The strut clamp has 3 positions:

Position

Compatible Diameter

1

40 โ€“ 45 mm

2

45 โ€“ 53 mm

3

53 โ€“ 60 mm


โ“ Can I reorder a centering kit or rods?
Yes. If lost or broken, you can reorder:

  • A complete kit

  • Individual rods

๐Ÿ“ฆ Component References:

Code

Description

PXCP-10

Centering rod ร˜10 mm

PXCP-12

Centering rod ร˜12 mm

PXCP-24

Centering rod ร˜14 mm

PXCP-26

Centering guide ร˜14 mm


โ“ The upper threaded section is stuck in the mount and cannot pass through.
If the upper threaded part of the shock absorber is stuck in the mount, there are two possible solutions:

1. Decompress then recompress the spring with the machine, while guiding the rod with the corresponding centering rod. A guide may assist in realigning the rod with the mount.
๐Ÿ“ธ Insert photo

2. If it's still difficult to get the rod through, insert a wrench corresponding to the rodโ€™s thread into the rod and turn it counterclockwise. The threaded part should rise through the mount enough to position the nut on top. A ratchet wrench is recommended.
๐Ÿ“ธ Insert photo


๐Ÿข Slow Decompression of the Shock Absorber in the XCP-45

โ“ Observed issue:
Slow movement of the cylinder (either compression or decompression) suggests a degradation of the XCP-45.


๐Ÿ” Diagnostic Steps

  1. Visually inspect the machine for damage

  2. Check air pressure: โœ… Between 6.5 and 10 bars

  3. Detect any air leaks by listening

  4. Manually push the door: if the piston speeds up, it means the door sensors are defective


๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Temporary fix:
Keep the door manually shut during use

๐Ÿ“ž Permanent fix:
Contact SAM Outillage After-Sales Service to replace the door sensors


โŒ XCP-45 Cannot Compress a Shock Absorber

โ“ Observed issue:
The machine is unable to apply compression โ†’ likely degradation of internal components.


๐Ÿ” Verification Steps

  1. Inspect the machine for visual damage

  2. Ensure air pressure is between 6.5 and 10 bars

  3. Listen for any audible air leaks

  4. Manually close the door: if machine starts working, door sensors are faulty


๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Temporary fix:
Hold the door closed during operation

๐Ÿ“ž Recommended fix:
Contact SAM Outillage After-Sales for a repair


๐Ÿ”ง Procedure if the XCP-45 Door Wonโ€™t Open

If the XCP-45 door fails to open, follow diagnostic steps based on the behavior.


๐Ÿ”Š 1. A โ€œClickโ€ is heard and the locking bar moves (left side)
๐Ÿ”ง This means the opening system works, but the adjustment between the locking bar and pins is incorrect.

Possible causes:

  • Poor installation

  • Frame shifted during transport

Action:
Readjust the pins.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Refer to the dedicated procedure.
๐Ÿ“ธ Insert photo


๐Ÿ”‡ 2. No โ€œClickโ€ is heard
โžค Open the door with the help of an authorized technician (remote support available)
๐Ÿ” Check if the strut touches the bottom position sensor of the piston
โ€‹


๐ŸŸข A. If contact is made:
Try to manually operate the locking bar through the side holes.

  • If stuck โ†’ ๐Ÿ” Return to After-Sales

  • Open the rear maintenance hatch

  • Check that all air tubes are properly connected

  • If tubes are connected but the bar wonโ€™t move โ†’ ๐Ÿ” Return to After-Sales


๐Ÿ”ด B. If no contact is made:
Ensure nothing blocks between:

  • The bottom of the strut

  • The base plate of the XCP-45

If clear:

Adjust the rail alignment.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Refer to the appropriate procedure with a qualified person.


โ“ The XCP-45 door has a defect or issue

Case 1 โ€“ Door wonโ€™t open:
Refer to the previous question on door non-opening.

Case 2 โ€“ Door is damaged (dent, crack, etc.):
The door must be replaced. It protects the operator in case of spring or shock absorber failure.
โžก๏ธ Follow the โ€œDOOR REPLACEMENTโ€ technical sheet.


โ“ What if my XCP-45 has an air leak and no longer functions correctly?


๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Preliminary Checks:

  • Make sure there is no visible damage

  • Ensure the input air pressure is between 6.5 and 10 bars


๐Ÿ” Leak Localization:

Air connector:
โžก๏ธ Follow the โ€œAir Connector Replacementโ€ procedure

Left side bar:
โžก๏ธ Requires return to After-Sales

Top control panel:
โžก๏ธ Also requires return to After-Sales

Rear maintenance hatch:
โžก๏ธ Contact After-Sales for guidance


โ“ FAQ โ€“ My safety hatch is broken or damaged


The safety hatch is critical. If cracked or damaged, it must be replaced immediately.
โžก๏ธ Follow the โ€œSafety Hatch Replacementโ€ technical sheet.


โ“ My slide clamp has an issue


If the shock absorber clamp is hard to position or doesnโ€™t fix correctly, this may indicate mechanical failure or wear.
โžก๏ธ Follow the โ€œBRACKET REPLACEMENTโ€ technical sheet.


โ“ Is there a difference between XCP and X'COMP?


No. XCP is the technical reference, X'COMP is the commercial name. Both refer to the same product with no difference in function or version.


โ“ How to replace the X'COMP control button?


This operation must not be performed by the user.
โžก๏ธ Return the unit to SAM Outillage After-Sales Service.
Self-repair voids the warranty and may damage the product.


โ“ Where can I find the serial number of my Xโ€™COMP (XCP-45)?


The serial number is located on the left side of the Xโ€™COMP, on the compressor identification plate. ๐Ÿ‘‰ Here is the location below:

Did this answer your question?