strut spring compressor

M

mscher

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Looking for a useful, more modern strut spring compressor at a decent price.

I have the two simple (one bolt two hooks) "McPherson strut" type compressors, but they are a pain when using on some struts, that have the base bult in.

Last night (late) I had the front springs on the 06' Highlander compressed, but they only have three spring coil windings available, so there is not a lot to "grab" on to. The top plate was loose, but when I removed the nut, the strut shaft "receded" about 1 inch lower, like some type of pre-load. Anyway at that point I could not compress the springs much more, using the compressors I had, so I ended up grabbing the shaft with my hand (through the springs) and forcing it up, enough to get the nut back on. Not very safe and very sore hands.

The "clamshells" designs look popular, but are around $150. I'd have paid a King's ransom for a good one last night.

Any suggestions?
 
bruceb58

bruceb58

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Y

YZ165

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Re: strut spring compressor

I think it's worth the money to let a shop with the right tool for the job do struts. The potential energy in those springs is not something to be taken lightly. I payed over $800 dollars for my wall mounted strut spring compressor. I'm still nervous every time I use it. The difference in $ to let someone do it for you, minus the cost of the cheap a** spring compressors, is not worth the risk. I have seen first hand the damage they can do when the spring decides to unscrew itself......There is a large hole in a PepBoys roof near you! My.02!
 
dolluper

dolluper

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Re: strut spring compressor

Mine is very heavy duty uses compressed air and still scares the carp out of me...I chain them also....funny on amozon the one they sell should have customers who bought this also bought a box of bandaids and sewing kit also
 
S

stackz

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Re: strut spring compressor

why not rent a few from the local parts stores and pick one you like the best. or just return it for your money back when you're done.

spring compressors scare the heck out of me. I still remember watching my life flash in my eyes when one side of those two piecer types slipped on me one time.:eek:
 
M

mscher

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Re: strut spring compressor

Everybody that came in the garage that night, warned me about how dangerous that job can be, but I was was not the least bit worried (and I'm aware that they can slip). Maybe I have have been truck driving too long, not much scares me any more. ;)

I have the ones bruceb58 suggested from Amazon. They work all right, except on the Highlander fronts.

I'm thinking about a setup like this. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRHU6...e=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B0002SRHU6

Sending them out is really not an option. I don't know when I will be able to work on things, and it usually ends being later in the evening. I use the garage lift at work, but they don't have any strut compressor. I take most of the tools I need with me and drive what I work on. A rat race for sure.

Another tedious task out of the way.
 
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98Shabah

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NetDoc

NetDoc

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Re: strut spring compressor

My favorite:

attachment.php


My second favorite:

31XYuHOkMwL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


The others are less than optimal!
 
cribber

cribber

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Re: strut spring compressor

NetDoc said:
My favorite:

attachment.php


My second favorite:

31XYuHOkMwL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


The others are less than optimal!
Click to expand...
I think the OP is looking for one that can compress the springs on a strut on the car for removal.

Check out you local Autozone to see what they got for a rental to help you out. If you like what they have research the manufacturer to pick up a set for your own use. Good luck and let us know what ya find!!!
 
NetDoc

NetDoc

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Re: strut spring compressor

cribber said:
I think the OP is looking for one that can compress the springs on a strut on the car for removal.
Click to expand...
That would be the wrong way to do it! There was a model of GM where you replaced the struts on the vehicle, but the weight of the vehicle kept the springs compressed. I worked in the automotive field for thirty years and have seen and owned some hinky tools to do this job. The only safe way to compress springs on 95% of the cars out there is after the entire strut assembly has been removed from the car.

If I were still in the business, I would go to harbor freight and buy one of these for $199.00:

image_16445.jpg


Still, the clam shell is cheap ($69.00) and would work well for the application. One caveat, be sure to have your car aligned after you install those struts!
 
M

mscher

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Messages
1,424
Re: strut spring compressor

dolluper said:
Ever think of craftsman .....they have one made in usa for 54.99 two hooks with safety pins lifetime warranty neverseize the threads and go link below....might have to switch to usa pricing
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153_12605?pageNum=1&viewItems=25&keyword=strut+spring+compressor
Click to expand...

These are the exact ones I have. They work all right, but don't always uniformly compress the springs. Plus, they can interfere with the strut base and need to be oirented, so that I cannot get a impact socket on them, requiring wrenching by hand.

I'd like to try the "clamshell" design and noticed the the $450 models Sears sells ,look exactly like the ones selling on Amazon for $160.
 
M

mscher

Lieutenant
Joined
Apr 21, 2004
Messages
1,424
Re: strut spring compressor

cribber said:
I think the OP is looking for one that can compress the springs on a strut on the car for removal.

Check out you local Autozone to see what they got for a rental to help you out. If you like what they have research the manufacturer to pick up a set for your own use. Good luck and let us know what ya find!!!
Click to expand...

No, I am not.

I'm just finding that the old style, simple compressors, don't work very well, compressing some of the newer strut assemblies.

Just looking for something that works a little better, but not spending $600 dollars or more, since I only do struts, every couple of years.
 
NetDoc

NetDoc

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Messages
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Re: strut spring compressor

mscher said:
I'd like to try the "clamshell" design and noticed the the $450 models Sears sells ,look exactly like the ones selling on Amazon for $160.
Click to expand...
They are $69 through HarborFreight.com. There is a bit of a difference, but not much. I have one at the warehouse that is not being shown here and its the best. I believe it was made by Black Hawk in the early to mid seventies before struts really caught on. Surprisingly, it works better on the more modern struts than it did on those from the nineties. :D
 
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