Strut Compressor - Clamshell

[gabeancounter]

Need to replace the struts on the wife's corolla. 170k miles- strut on right side leaking and boots look like a cat attacked them. Do you normally replace the mounts as well?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MACP...Z260595585338QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

I seen this compressor on ebay and looks to be homemade? Very stout compared to other inexpensive models? Seems this guy is selling a lot of them. Anybody use this one? Thoughts? Thanks

 

[fr0mastaj]

Harborfreight sells one just like that for much cheaper - $40 (and you can use 20% coupon).

http://www.harborfreight.com/single-action-strut-spring-compressor-43753.html

Although it didnt get very good reviews...
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FIX PS3

 

[rhastings80]

I just bought one like that last week at a garage sale and it was a Snap On from 1991. I picked it up for $25.00. It Looks exactly like the one in your picture. I'm guessing the one I have Snap On didn't make it but just put their name on it. I could be wrong. Anyways I haven't used it yet but seems to be very sturdy but big and bulky. I don't think Snap On sells that style anymore though.

 

[gabeancounter]

Fromaster
The HF one looks a little weak. I had read the reviews and thought I would look around. The metal on the sides holding the rods is very thin. Have you used the HF one?

Rhastings
I wish I could come across some of these deals you guys find. I kinda like the heavy duty (bulky) aspect, as long as it does not get in the way.

 

[fr0mastaj]

I have not used it, i just figured I'd let you know in case you didn't know HF had one. Ive changed a good amount of struts as a weekend warrior - and have always just used the large threaded rod version that auto stores rent out. It works...but isn't the friendliest option...
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ZX14 VS HAYABUSA

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

this is just my personsal oppinion but for the price just buy a new strut/ coilover assembly. my girlfreiends coilover was broken and I was about to go buy a new coilover and then i started pricing it out. 150 for the napa unit or 180 for the compleate strut/coilover assembly.The monroe even came with lifetime warantee on it. save yourself alot of hastle. headache and possibly personal injury and just buy the quick struts. it was so fast and easy it will make your head spin.

GOOD LUCK
Sean Scott

 

[gabeancounter]

this is just my personsal oppinion but for the price just buy a new strut/ coilover assembly. my girlfreiends coilover was broken and I was about to go buy a new coilover and then i started pricing it out. 150 for the napa unit or 180 for the compleate strut/coilover assembly.The monroe even came with lifetime warantee on it. save yourself alot of hastle. headache and possibly personal injury and just buy the quick struts. it was so fast and easy it will make your head spin.

GOOD LUCK
Sean Scott

I checked the monroe site. They do not seem to offer the quick strut for a 03 corolla. Don't know if anyone else offers this.

 

[sammm]

Don't know if you have Autozone part stores near you, but the ones here will 'rent' you spring compressors for free. You pay for it and then they credit you back when you return it. I've done that several times.

 

[gabeancounter]

Don't know if you have Autozone part stores near you, but the ones here will 'rent' you spring compressors for free. You pay for it and then they credit you back when you return it. I've done that several times.

That looks a pretty decent pair of sticks. I think I might just do that. I already have enough stuff to store. Thanks

 

[psychoclaw84]

I purchased the exact strut compressor.

It is kind of bulky and it takes a couple of tries to understand how it works. When you figure it out and use an impact wrench to compress the springs, it is worth the money.

The clam shell compressor does not work well for tightly spaced springs, it would not fit my Accords front strut springs. It worked well for the rears.

However it is not a durable tool, because the threaded material is made out of alloy and will not last for consistent use. Although it works well for the DIY person.

 

[IDASHO]

Don't know if you have Autozone part stores near you, but the ones here will 'rent' you spring compressors for free. You pay for it and then they credit you back when you return it. I've done that several times.

I have a set very similar to that only made by craftsman.

They are very nice, and even rated to be use with an impact to speed things up.

Certainly works!

 

[gabeancounter]

psycho, thanks for the first hand knowledge. I would be really upset if it wound up not fitting the car. Another vote for the sticks in the pic. Anyone know how much to just purchase the sticks and best price- brand?

 

[rhastings80]

Here is the Snap On one I got at a garage sale for $25.00

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qBbm8tPOiK-buZXs2Q3povJY3BeFkdtv2PAhWbCPzrg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gyA2MJjiLlg/TC06gwVa-5I/AAAAAAAAAdo/4Z99jVAhRvw/s800/IMG_4567.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mike.4324/Vise02?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLnubvTwpiSaQ&feat=embedwebsite">vise</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Dgjp5qsNDCd55lWelUzMkvJY3BeFkdtv2PAhWbCPzrg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gyA2MJjiLlg/TC06hBswRwI/AAAAAAAAAds/ANI0j_UmYpw/s800/IMG_4568.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mike.4324/Vise02?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLnubvTwpiSaQ&feat=embedwebsite">vise</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LI7Q3yM44FvOtck6A7g90vJY3BeFkdtv2PAhWbCPzrg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gyA2MJjiLlg/TC06hiMukDI/AAAAAAAAAdw/vfSxoq-GdSQ/s800/IMG_4569.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mike.4324/Vise02?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLnubvTwpiSaQ&feat=embedwebsite">vise</a></td></tr></table>

 

[sammm]

Anyone know how much to just purchase the sticks and best price- brand?

Should be 1-size fits all. They don't take up much room, but I still prefer to rent them when I need them.

$23 at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000M61KTC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[scott37300]

Here is a project I started last summer and finally finished up today. Still have a few improvements to make and then going to paint it. I don't do a lot of struts, this was more or less a project for fun. I've always used the screw type spring compressors and have had good luck with them but last time I went to look for them they were missing in action. Not sure if someone borrowed them and didn't return them or they got lost in a move but they were gone. So I started looking online for some new ones and was looking what else was out there. Came across a company from over somewhere in europe that builds an amazing air spring compressor, the video on youtube with a ********* convinced me that I needed one. Since they are crazy expensive and not sold over here from what I could find I decided to start a new project. Bought a 4"x12" cylinder and some metal and started going to town. Got put off over fall, winter and spring. Started working on it again last week and tried it out for the first time today and it worked great. This thing is amazing and will change struts in a minute or two tops. Really beats using the screw compressors I was used to. Here is a pic of the finished project, minus a few details and paint.

 

[mkirkpatrick]

Here is a project I started last summer and finally finished up today. Still have a few improvements to make and then going to paint it. I don't do a lot of struts, this was more or less a project for fun. I've always used the screw type spring compressors and have had good luck with them but last time I went to look for them they were missing in action. Not sure if someone borrowed them and didn't return them or they got lost in a move but they were gone. So I started looking online for some new ones and was looking what else was out there. Came across a company from over somewhere in europe that builds an amazing air spring compressor, the video on youtube with a ********* convinced me that I needed one. Since they are crazy expensive and not sold over here from what I could find I decided to start a new project. Bought a 4"x12" cylinder and some metal and started going to town. Got put off over fall, winter and spring. Started working on it again last week and tried it out for the first time today and it worked great. This thing is amazing and will change struts in a minute or two tops. Really beats using the screw compressors I was used to. Here is a pic of the finished project, minus a few details and paint.

Scott,

Very nice set up, are you a welder by trade?

 

[scott37300]

Thanks for the compliment but no I'm not a welder. I have a nice miller welder and been trying to improve my skills but they still have a ways to go. I really like the challange of building something that takes some "engineering" to work. And when taking on something like this I like to learn new things. On this project I learned a lot about air cylinders and controls and how to figure out how much force a certain diameter cylinder has. Learned about sleeve bearings, thrust washers, and UHMW plastic. I just like learning about different things and then trying to pick out which parts will work and then putting everything together and getting it to work.

 

[impulse922]

Should be 1-size fits all. They don't take up much room, but I still prefer to rent them when I need them.

another vote for autozone rental

$23 at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000M61KTC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

those are too close to the HF models to tell, (hf ones ****,ive used them). The ones from autozone are much nicer.

 

[bchee]

Another vote for rental at Autozone

I actually rented 2 sets last time. It was overkill but I felt safer.
I had 4 compressors on the spring at one time.

 

[homesale]

What spring compressor will work on the tightly spaced springs? I need a spring compressor that will work on Honda/Acura tightly spaced springs.

 

[Fubar]

Harborfreight sells one just like that for much cheaper - $40 (and you can use 20% coupon).

http://www.harborfreight.com/single-action-strut-spring-compressor-43753.html

Although it didnt get very good reviews...

The difference between that one (and the Snap-On one pictured in this thread) is that the hooks that grip the spring are on a pivot, and the harbor freight/Snap-On aren't. Makes a big difference in keeping the spring from bowing out.

Fifty bucks is cheap for that one, I'd buy it.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

I have a lincoln and use it every day - beats walking to the other side of the shop to use the brannick wall mounted compressor

 

[gabeancounter]

The difference between that one (and the Snap-On one pictured in this thread) is that the hooks that grip the spring are on a pivot, and the harbor freight/Snap-On aren't. Makes a big difference in keeping the spring from bowing out.

Fifty bucks is cheap for that one, I'd buy it.

I noticed the rod (compression part) was in the other direction of the HF version. I guess it would fit the difference in spring height around the coil better.


Scott,
That is a really cool setup you built. To bad your not closer I would just let you get some practice with mine.

Lots of votes for autozone. They don't seem to sell the ones they rent on their website?

 

[psychoclaw84]

HOMESALE,

I took the whole strut unit to a garage and had them replace the struts for me. It cost $20

Most auto parts stores carry the screw type compressors either to rent or purchase. They are usually under $60.

The picture that SAMMM posted is a really nice stick unit and will work for narrow Honda springs. But it is pricy at $100 (to rent or purchase at NAPA) so that is why I elected to use a shop instead.

 

[ddrewyor]

I have the HF clamshell one and have done about 5 sets of struts and it works good. I like the feature that there is a pin that holds the coil in place on the ends. Can't slip out and hurt someone.

Dave
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EASY VAPE DIGITAL

 

[gabeancounter]

Dave
Did you use an impact with the HF ones? They seem stable / no bending?

 

[sammm]

Dave
Did you use an impact with the HF ones? They seem stable / no bending?

Regardless if you're using an impact or a ratchet, one thing to remember is to tighten them down evenly. Do 1-side for a short bit, then switch to the other side to keep them 'level'.

 

[RAYJAY]

I have the HF clamshell one and have done about 5 sets of struts and it works good. I like the feature that there is a pin that holds the coil in place on the ends. Can't slip out and hurt someone.

Dave

I have the HF one also done a lot of struts with it never a problem, its a lot better than the sticks


Jeff

 

[homesale]

What works on tightly wound coil springs?

 

[WVBrady]

Don't know if you have Autozone part stores near you, but the ones here will 'rent' you spring compressors for free. You pay for it and then they credit you back when you return it. I've done that several times.

I had always used mine the way shown in the picture and felt very insecure about the process. Even though I tightened each side a little at a time, sometimes the hooks would slide around and scare the heck out of me. One day I thought: why not put the upper hooks on the mounting block (the top part). I clamped the bottom of the strut in a vise and used an air ratchet on the nuts and felt very secure that way. You can then lift off the spring and mounting block as a unit. I don't know why they don't show this way in the instructions.

 

[Fubar]

And I've seen those cheap threaded rod versions slip around so both clamps end up on one side, especially when the springs are squat and have a high rate. Some people would rather take chances and screw around all day than spend any money and get it done safer/faster/easier.

 

[Stephenw]

I don't own one so I cannot comment on the quality, but this style of compressor will work on tight coils such as those used on Hondas.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hydraulic-strut-spring-compressor-45860.html

 

[ddrewyor]

Dave
Did you use an impact with the HF ones? They seem stable / no bending?

It says to not use an impact, so I did not. There was no bending or flexing of the unit. The only thing I did to mine was put a brass washer under the main threaded rod to keep from galling the compressor and allow the rod to turn easier.

Dave
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VAPORIZE

 

[wafrederick]

You might want to look into complete strut assemblies,much cheaper.Monroe sells them.Comes with the spring,strut plate and strut already put together and ready to go in the vehicle.Save money instead of buying the springs,strutplates and struts seperately.

 

[jay50]

I had always used mine the way shown in the picture and felt very insecure about the process. Even though I tightened each side a little at a time, sometimes the hooks would slide around and scare the heck out of me. One day I thought: why not put the upper hooks on the mounting block (the top part). I clamped the bottom of the strut in a vise and used an air ratchet on the nuts and felt very secure that way. You can then lift off the spring and mounting block as a unit. I don't know why they don't show this way in the instructions.

That's why it is called the "widow maker".....

 

[mikeweb]

I have one of these... seems to do the job quite well

http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=11888

 

[sselander]

ATD tools has the same one, yet is cheaper to buy:

ATD-7585

I got mine here:

http://www.foxruntools.com/mastermacphersonstruttool.aspx

 

[FlushingDIYer]

Don't mean to bring up an old thread:

But what are our clamshell strut compressor tool options?

OTC makes one in blue for $200

And then there's the Harbor Freight one for $60 and a bunch of off-brands on Amazon...

I know this is a stretch, but is there a USA-made one for around a $100?

 

[wmm2]

I checked the monroe site. They do not seem to offer the quick strut for a 03 corolla. Don't know if anyone else offers this.

Try RockAuto. I was doing the struts on a 99 Corolla. The shocks and bellows both needed replacing, and the springs were suspect. The front plate was unknown. The way the pricing was when I went to do it, if you need more than two items out of the list, it was cheaper to buy the quick kit, already assembled. For less money, I had everything replaced at once. KYB came highly recommended, and I've been pleased with them.

 

[Tuc04]

Don't mean to bring up an old thread:

But what are our clamshell strut compressor tool options?


I know this is a stretch, but is there a USA-made one for around a $100?

I have the OTC one you mentioned and it works fine for my home use. Made in USA and if you watch the sales at Zoro you should be able to get it under $150.