MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor

[RacerFreakXXX]

Does anyone know if these actually are worth the money?

MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor (http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Tool-Design-ATD-3054-MacPherson/dp/B000OUW78O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1248740076&sr=8-1)

Mavis quoted me $330 to install springs and I was like wtf :thumbdown:

[1NZYaris1]

link not working :frown:

[RacerFreakXXX]

works now, lol

[1NZYaris1]

Ahh , so it does , and too answer your question .
i bought a similar set over here to do my spring install
they worked great , consdering how cheap they are .
i recon i could do another 3 or 4 spring instals before they are stuffed :thumbsup:
lube the tread before you start useing them and they are even better :laugh:

[blacksandiegovitz]

don't buy one , most big parts store like pepboy , kragen or autozone have loaner tools that can be checked out for a deposit and all money is refunded when you return the tool .

[lilredrocket]

^ Thats what I did. Haha

[RacerFreakXXX]

see I live like 30 min away from anything like that and there is a rental place in the town over but for $50 it may be worth having in the garage just in case of an emergency.

[gte123v]

just get these from harbor freight, http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3980

can't beat it for 12.99, or better yet go to the store and they are only $10. I used it to do mine.

[Jeemee]

No, it's worth the 30 minute drive to go rent one. Unless you work on suspension for a living lol, no need in buying one.

[Loren]

Was gonna say you can rent/borrow from the parts store or get the same thing from HF for about half the price (no fancy case, though). That's all been covered.

They work. Be careful. Be sure they stay 180 degrees apart as you compress the spring, scary things happen if they shift to one side. Keep them lubed, they'll work for many years.

Pro Tip: Get a socket to fit the bolt, it will really speed up the operation. Air tools are great, too... but even just a socket with a ratchet is way quicker than a big ol' adjustable wrench. (I never remember this until I've got the car apart, unfortunately!)

[PETERPOOP]

don't use one; i didn't. :P

[Jeemee]

hehe me either but I wouldn't recommend that to ANYONE!

[MUSKOKA800]

I picked up a nice McPherson strut spring compressor at Princess Auto. Not their cheapy but the better one while on sale ($30.00, reg. $60.00). I also bought a high offset wrench (17mm?) to get squarely onto the top nuts of the front struts (as suggested in TRD installation instructions).
I figured even if I only use them once they paid for themselves in Pro labour saved and ease of use. A local parts shop does do loaners but first come-first serve and their compressor was out twice when I inquired. I had all the other required tools so buying these gave me freedom to wrench in the driveway at MY convenience.

[Loren]

Nothing wrong with having tools.

[Jeemee]

We don't use no tools where we're from LMAO

[Tamago]

you don't need it. put a firm foot on the spring itself while removing the top strut nut. if you need to push the newly installed spring a half inch down bring a friend. ;)

or rent a spring compressor for "free" from your local auto parts store.

[largeorangefont]

you don't need it. put a firm foot on the spring itself while removing the top strut nut. if you need to push the newly installed spring a half inch down bring a friend. ;)

or rent a spring compressor for "free" from your local auto parts store.

Yup. The front springs are not under that much tension. The top hats will pop about 6 inches off the strut. not very dangerous at all if you use common sence and dont stand in front of the strut.

A friend will be able to compress the lowering spring and top hat enough so you can get on the strut shaft nut.

[RacerFreakXXX]

thanks for all the info... I'm pretty set on coilovers but I was wondering about spring compressors. Still probably gonna grab some just to have in the tool box.