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A strut compressor that won't try to kill you

Gmonkee

Well-known member
Joined
May 9, 2010
Messages
2,765
My boss Carlos has been working to build his strut compressor as a fixture, because the bar and hook type have scared him (as well as most others that used them) badly. he tossed a basic plan at me, and after long discussion we came up with this.

Construction is all 1 inch angle iron. Power unit had to be removeable as it stands out in the rain. We used a standard nissan truck jack. It was not possible to find a 1 piece counterweight so we got creative.

The trolley is 20 inches tall and gives a 15 inch throw. Guides are as far to the ends as possible to keep it rigid. The base of the trolley is a 6 inch square inside measurement with 12 inches of upward space to place the impact gun into. The post it is using actually supports the roof.

We have used it several times and have not had one scare from the strut slipping out or any other common threat struts pose. It works slowly and very precisely in the movement upward or downward so there is no point of feeling like its going to blow out.

We are going to weld the pulley support and remove the wood blocks as well as other touches like painting it and the post to make it look better. The base for the jack on the trolley was placed 3 inches lower than the current jack needs, as its future replacement may not be the same size or height.

The cost was low, the welds are good and it does a job we used to pay someone else to do for us. Carlos is very pleased with it and I can use it without fear. Therefore I like it too.
 

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Lump

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Joined
Mar 16, 2009
Messages
3,405
Location
Jamestown, Ohio
Awwww... If you make a strut spring compressor which you can rely upon to always be consistently safe...you'll take the fun and excitement out of those jobs. You'll miss the joy of ducking when a spring or metal chunk goes flying past your head...especially the part when you realize you ducked WAY too slowly.

Where is your spirit of adventure?

Just kidding, of course. Nice workmanship. Let us know how it works for you.
 
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Gmonkee

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Joined
May 9, 2010
Messages
2,765
We did place the base at the same level as the family jewels, keeps you thinking when there is a strut pressed in it! While no machine is foolproof we do try to keep the fools at a distance while using it.

Its a little job to take very seriously.
 
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Gmonkee

Well-known member
Joined
May 9, 2010
Messages
2,765
Well, it got used today on rear struts from a Ford Feista. The entire spring passes through the 6" square, so I placed the stud at the inside corner of the square grabbing the head of the strut with the corner. Just close enough to be able to pull the c clip off. Took me longer to drop and place the struts than do the shock absorber changeout.

Sorry, no pics, we had a very busy day and no time for playing with cameras. I am just happy to report a scare-free and fast strut rebuild job.

Brian
 
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