Car suspension tools for home garage like a bearing press and spring compressor

[mikey03]

I been looking at how car suspensions work and they honestly dont seem too hard to work on as long as there’s no rust and you understand what your doing which I honestly don’t yet but I’m learning.

Unlike the other stuffs in the car that require reading sensors and scan tools it seems like the suspension is kinda “analog” it’s either worn or it’s not and theres prob not any sensors to tell you?

So one thing is how do you compress the strut spring, I saw one video the guy had a giant spring compressor tool attached to his lift. Is there a home garage method that doesn’t require anything too big or expensive and specialized?

How about bearing press is there a way to get around needing a giant drill press size machine? Is there some manual way that takes longer but if your only pressing literally like 2 a year that’s it’s fine? I think you can take them to a machine shop and pay them to do it but if there’s some manual hand crank tool even if it takes 30 minutes per bearing but saves me 2 hours of driving round trip and waiting for a shop tech to do it, it might be better to do it at home. Or one that’s electric but real small like 1 foot on each side and can run it on a table or on the floor the few times a year you need it? The ones I seen are real big.

Im not going to run out and buy one anytime soon but I hear good things about the snap on ball joint press. HF made one for half price but I think I’d save up for the SO one. Make whichever family member is having me do that job pay for maybe half of it.

I don’t got a compressor I think a air hammer is useful for suspension work but in Texas it’s not the rust belt and maybe the new M18 “air” hammer will be good when that drops.

Already got good open end wrenches for tie rods. I think really it’s the how do I compress the strut spring and how do I remove and install wheel bearings tools that I need to know about. And honestly any tools I might not realize I would need.

 

[terrific]

Check out quickstruts. For many car models, they are not very expensive and you won't need to compress the springs.

For pressing bearings, look for a bearing install/removal tool. Sometimes they're called front wheel drive bearing kits. It's a large threaded rod and an assortment of cups and plates. For example, this is the kit they sell at harbor freight: https://www.harborfreight.com/front...ece-63728.html?hftm_sc=478&hftm_source=google
Oddly, I do not think any of the big names make these kits, so you're probably going to end up with something made in China and it's probably going to work fine. Don't accidentally buy one of the kits designed for bicycles.

 

[LXCam]

I’ve got to do the wife’s struts on Monday. I’ll come back and show you what I bought a couple months back for a spring compressor plus a couple specialty tools that help.

 

[kbeefy]

Honestly, Spring Compressor, Wheel bearing puller and ball joint press are not things you need to stock up on. Those are specialized tools that people that do this every day rely on.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

Honestly, Spring Compressor, Wheel bearing puller and ball joint press are not things you need to stock up on. Those are specialized tools that people that do this every day rely on.

And they can be rented or borrowed. Autozone has a tool loan program that is a good reason to shop there.

 

[terrific]

And they can be rented or borrowed. Autozone has a tool loan program that is a good reason to shop there.

Oh, yeah, nice. Here's their kit: https://www.autozone.com/p/oemtools-bearing-race-and-seal-driver-set-57205/537085 90 day loan.
That will get you home.

 

[signcrafter]

When I was young and broke I used the death stick spring tools a few times. https://www.amazon.com/Orion-Motor-Tech-Macpherson-Compressors/dp/B078X57CZL/?tag=atomicindus08-20. Those are risky. I've used the clamshell type tool a couple times also and it's a little better, https://www.harborfreight.com/clamshell-style-strut-spring-compressor-59467.html. The one you saw in the video was probably a branick which is pretty much the standard, OTC also makes a good one. I just searched amazon to find links and looks like there more options out there now, https://www.amazon.com/s?k=spring+c...anker_ci_hl-bn-left_1_10&tag=atomicindus08-20. I've never used this style but looks decent and seems to be liked, https://www.amazon.com/Amerbm-Compr...rotection/dp/B091SJG9QQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20. I bought a used branick last year for 200 bucks, they are out there if you watch for them. They are the safest option if you aren't using quick struts.

For wheel bearings there are a few options besides a press. I bought these kits from astro tools and they work good. https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-Tool-78825-Installer/dp/B01JBK2OJO/?tag=atomicindus08-20 and amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-Drum-Rotor-Puller/dp/B01JBIU7F4/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2VOH0FMJCFIW2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ucASi-XXT5dq_TD1BPOqaUz0GSx-N_62M_oDn2UFKSQJPoprHIz-hIoLJQR5vRR8jHMLBFCJXHDaCbc3qvo4hUqCR9iGYBkz1U-6R1oIXRU_F1qwFErF8-mRVKn9McRYOCXe-XRRpRmjFmdpJ2CsuhYpn9q0VEOoDKMIFMZ0gc3P5mwsXpVzZD67k_j-JNAuzmNyefVhvIsIvPX-Eb-altp_xQW8rrnSaOzSgwPsQzTKBXDoZBXwBxVfIjvd-_odqlracf08bZQveAI-BASpfIF1xZvmSQIg-AcXXY_RLCM.s7-qM2OOKxhl3GDKGVGEtAji77NPzSdDXnoYhreO7YY&dib_tag=se&keywords=astro+tools+hub&qid=1788669716&sprefix=astro+tools+hu%2Caps%2C319&sr=8-2. Can do them on the vehicle most of the time with these two kits. There's a few other tools out there depending on what you're working on.

 

[mikey03]

If it’s helpful at all I’ll got a full set of 1/2 deep impact sockets, and I always read people saying they use them to push bearings with a press.

 

[Dave455]

You are essentially correct about suspension, and yes, these are jobs I would do myself.

Do I own spring compressors? Yes. They're not expensive, and don't take up much space.

How often do I need to replace a spring? Probably half the vehicles I have owned have needed a spring changed at some point, so maybe not that often. But, there are other jobs that need the springs compressing, so I think worth having.

You can get different styles and qualities. I find the simple threaded rod type adequate, but given the load I wouldn't want to go too cheap on these. I own a British made set, but anything "first world", or at least a reputable brand, I would be confidant in.

A press? That's more difficult. I don't have one, because I don't want to allocate space to something I don't use that often. But I have a friend who has one.

How often does it see use? Well, I probably need to change bearings more often than springs. On my current daily driver you are supposed to change them whenever you remove the hub, and they are not costly.

On the other hand, not all bearings need to be pressed. On the rear of my Mini there is no axle so the (inexpensive) bearing units just unbolt.

So, as always it depends what you work on.

 

[OccupantRJ]

And they can be rented or borrowed. Autozone has a tool loan program that is a good reason to shop there.

This. I have a pretty inclusive shop setup and once bought specialty tools at flea markets and such when I ran up on them, but after the auto parts stores started the loan a tool programs I slowed way down on that. Why buy the cow when the milk is basically free. I used my portable coil spring compressor on my granddaughters car a few months back for the first time since I got it at least 10 years ago. I am retired and do live 3 miles from two auto parts stores though, so distance and time are not a major factor in my case. You might want to watch Youtube on how NOT to use a spring compressor as they can be rather dangerous.

 

[Mr_B]

The so called death sticks are not as bad as the reputation if the operator has some common sense and buys decent ones.
Back in the day they use to come as 3 in a set and using 3 is far safer and spring less likely curl over vs using just 2 .
Plenty options for compressing springs and none too crazy money .
Do you need a press well probably not as someone with minimal experience and not doing a lot of repair work .
As most wheal bearing done with the removal and fitting kits with cups and bolt to force out and pull in the bearing or are bolt on hub bearing which easier again (more so for OP in Texas lol)
OP be wise just research and buy in advance of upcoming jobs and as gain experience invest in tools to match your skill level, job frequency and desire to complete jobs all in house ...

 

[decableguy2000]

The loaner tools are are great if you have a one time job to do. However, the biggest issue is they may not be in stock at the closest store, and have to make several trips. Time is valuable.

 

[nicks78camaro]

Bearing press - Astro

Heavy-Duty Grade 9 Master FWD Bearing Adapter w/ Thrust Bearing | Astro Pneumatic Tools

• All new HD set includes forged cups and adapters and instead of traditional washers, a 7/8" HD thrust bearing originally designed for use on 18-wheel ...

www.astrotools.com

Need a slide hammer to get the hub out before you can press out the bearing (for most cars)

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

I work on cars all day in the DFW and I am here to say you don't need any of those tools.

1. Buy quick struts they come with new springs and strut mounts

2. BJ press is outdated. 99% of the vehicles you work on that need BJs also need control arm bushings... replace the whole control arm. Only thing I use my BJ press for anymore is U joints. If I am working on a 2500 dodge I borrow my buddies Matco BJ press! That is not a DIY level tool btw

Amazon.com

3. Shop press is not needed unless your rebuilding rear axles all day. Most vehicles have hub bearing assemblies.

4. Air hammer... mine stays in my drawer 99% of the time. Here in Texas we are not working on rusted junk so everything comes apart with very little effort. The only time I really grab an air hammer is for driveshaft bearings or busting a random exhaust manifold nut.

5. Disc drum puller are also not needed here unless you are working on junk from Ohio.

Literally all you need here is a decent impact and a set of deep/shallow sockets.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Check out quickstruts. For many car models, they are not very expensive and you won't need to compress the springs.

Monroe Quickstruts are "average" quality. If you want to upgrade to something like Koni or Bilsteins, find a shop that will do the whole job or at least will swap the spring.

Most spring compressors are called "widow makers" for a reason !

 

[The Metric System]

I have had excellent luck using a 5-8" bench vise as a press for suspension work; the limitation is generally the jaw width and throat depth rather that outright pressing force.

Even having to work around the inherent drawbacks I'd rather have the vise because it costs about the same, is way more generally useful, and takes up less space.

Also, this big C-Clamp style press is super handy for jobs where the hardware is still on the vehicle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7CO50E?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Ztim]

Another vote for the Autozone tool loan program. Just did ball joints and borrowed both a spring compressor and a ball joint press.

 

[mikedodge]

I bought a press when I had the chance to get one at a decent price because I've used them a fair bit over the years for rebuilding mower deck spindles, replacing parts in various suspension components, bearings, anything else that's made with a press fit. It might not be needed all that often andquite often there are other ways to get to the same result but in a lot of cases it's the easiest and quickest way and I have the space for it.

I have an older Moog spring compressor for the odd time I need to compress springs. I don't trust the kind with the 2 rods or any others that the spring could work it's way out of under pressure.

I usually buy the random kits I need off amazon. Some of them wouldn't hold up if you are doing the work professionally but for occasional use they are fine and for the price I'd rather have them then waste time trying to find a place to borrow them from when they're needed.

I do agree that in a lot of cases you're usually better off replacing the whole assembly if quality ones are available rather then specific parts.. if you replace control arms for ball joints you're getting new bushings. Depending on age and mileage on the vehicle if you're replacing the struts those coil springs probably also lost some of their tension over the years and usually when you add up the cost of the strut, the mount, the spring you're further ahead buying the loaded assembly.

 

[danielbuck]

An inexpensive floor standing 20 ton press for stuff like bearings and what not is a nice thing to have, even more so if you have compressed air and can operate it with air. It's something you'll likely use for other things as well. Generally not a bad thing to have around, if you have space.

 

[rust in the eye]

Check out quickstruts. For many car models, they are not very expensive and you won't need to compress the springs.

The trouble with these is they are poor quality replacements built to a price for the "under car" service trade. Quick and easy? Certainly. Good? Nope.

 

[nicks78camaro]

The trouble with these is they are poor quality replacements built to a price for the "under car" service trade. Quick and easy? Certainly. Good? Nope.

Correct!

 

[signcrafter]

Everyone's situation is different and loaner tools are definitely an option. If you aren't doing much work and just need to change your own parts because they need changed and you want to save the cost of taking it somewhere. Or if you don't have the money to buy the tools right now. But if you plan on doing most repairs for your own vehicles and plan on taking on work when family and friends ask you to fix their cars when they know you fix your own stuff, then buying the tools is worth it to have them around. I liked doing the work and knew I was going to keep doing it in the future. I used the money I saved doing my own work to justify buying more tools to have more ability to keep doing my own repairs and when asked to fix someone else's vehicle I would use the money I made for tools. It's just nice to have them when you need them and not have to run to the store and rent a tool that has been abused by someone else.

If loaner tools work for your situation, great. When someone posts suggestions online you don't know much about their situation. Are the guys saying don't buy the tools and just get loaners someone that changes a set of struts on their own vehicle every 5-10 years and a bearing every decade? Or are they working on their own cars along with friends and family and do half dozen wheel bearings a year and same with struts and running to the parts store to loan tools each time? I guess when I read someone asking for advice about what tool to get to do a repair they have decided they need or want to buy that tool.

I don't know the OP's situation but I've seen 2 of his posts about working on family member's cars. Said he would do the repairs and they could pay for some tools, that's how I got a bunch of my tools when I didn't have much. I found it a lot easier to tell family that I will do the repair to save them money but I need some tools to do it, that went over better then just charging them some cash and me buying the tools for some reason. Guess cause we're family they expect it for free and don't think about the cost of tools to get things done. Except mom and grandma, they got everything for free. If I had to guess I'd say the OP is younger and likes working on cars and do repairs for others and sounds like he wants to pick up tools to be able to do this work.

 

[Pinne]

Presses are difficult because there are so many variants for different vehicles. A lot of the time you'll need to press bushings or bearings on the car so as not to do 3x as much work to remove parts needlessly. So I would wait until you have a specific job in mind and then buy a tool to accomplish it if you can't borrow it.

Changing struts, strut tops, etc where spring compressors are needed is pretty common on just about every modern car. The quickstruts are fine for some cars but I've never owned anything where a quickstrut was comparable to the factory option. If you'll be doing this often I'd buy a used Branick strut compressor - they're easily had for $100-$150 secondhand. They wall mount and don't take up crazy space.

 

[RoninB4]

-A lot depends upon which vehicle and which repair procedure you'll want to attempt. They're all different and require different tooling/methods.

-Struts and bearings aren't terribly difficult to change, provided you have the right tools and know what you're doing. Spring compressors may look ok and be stout enough but you can still run into trouble if the "hooks" start to shift around the helix of the spring. The thrust face on the compressor can also gall up real bad if it's just metal-on-metal contact. I had to make/install a couple of Delrin pads for slip surfaces to lessen the torque needed when the metal contact pads galled up. If you're not sure what I've written (poorly worded) then I can assure you that you don't want to find yourself in this scenario in the middle of the job.

-Bearing removal/installation? There's several ways to screw up a bearing installation. Some bearings you can get by using just sockets to drive them, others no. The size of the bearing, where it's located, and IF you get it started correctly can make a huge difference whether you just severely shortened the bearing life or not. Bearings may appear to be robust but they're far more fragile than would appear to the casual observer. Anybody that thinks a hammer and a socket is good enough is probably a hack. It can be done but you really have to know what you're doing to not damage the bearing innards. Damaging a bearing won't be obvious either. Renting the tools might be the best option for the occasional job if there's no unexpected trouble, sometimes there is at the worst moment that delays the repair.

-I openly encourage you (or anybody) to learn how to do repairs like these but I also strongly suggest some research on what NOT to do. I've read a few people comment on the Quick Struts option as having lesser quality parts in them. I select all components for any repair because there's a lot a shoddy/counterfeit components on the market now, even the race boys report/show poorly made things even in aftermarket performance parts. Bearings? There's a lot of poorly made bearings now in the marketplace. Buying by name brand and/or price alone is a roll of the dice. I've now learned to buy OEM components from reputable sources unless I know the quality/integrity of the aftermarket company. COO can make a big difference in a bearing but most of the reputable bearing makers from 30 years ago and either out of business or moved operations to the Third World. Some Third World countries cannot be trusted to make a good bearing.

-You can either take my advice or find out the hard way sooner/later. If you're a newb then I strongly suggest you arm yourself with research before purchasing tooling and/or components. Swapping struts and/or bearings usually isn't a lot of fun. It's not terrible but it's a lot less fun when you have to do the job twice because of poor installation or poor part quality. YMMV

 

[rust in the eye]

Suspension is heavy, dirty work. If you intend to do it with any regularity you'll want the appropriate heavy tools.
Strut springs can kill you so use the DIY stuff at your own peril.

 

[jayemm]

Not directly suspension related but nice to have if servicing calipers with integrated parking brakes where the piston needs rotated to be retracted (not electric parking brakes though, they retract electrically and forcing the piston inward will damage them). Mine's been used 4 times and no trips to rent one makes it a no -brainer to keep on hand. They're cheap and ebay has a lot of them and the best prices I've seen. Here's the kit with 2 rotator tools for pistons that rotate L/H or R/H.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/126547581700?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-173151-913341-5&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=126547581700&targetid=2320274086975&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1017751&poi=&campaignid=21404247963&mkgroupid=173029506908&rlsatarget=pla-2320274086975&abcId=9450094&merchantid=5351163419&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21404247963&gbraid=0AAAAAD_QDh-4ghMQYn-ywZzhFNxysMcBq&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2pnTgunclgMVzl3_AR3S9RFZEAkYASABEgKVJvD_BwE