Strut spring compressor, not Wall mounted...

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Hey guys. I'm used to using a wall mounted strut spring compressor in the shop. I haven't used a manual spring compressor ever... so I was wondering if you all had suggestions on a safe... quality compressor.

 

[bwringer]

It's a rectangular device with numbers on it with which I obtain complete strut assemblies, preferably those made by the OEM manufacturer, at a cost far below the separate cost of all the worn components. I also save myself hours of time and avoid mortal danger.

Spring compressors suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck **** ****...



Anyway, sometimes there's no alternative. I have successfully used the $30 two-piece cheapies with the retention pins, and lived to tell the tale, but I can't recommend this.

Very interested to see what the GJ hive mind recommends. Maybe there's a better way that's not huge money.

 

[noid]

Its not cheap though.

Edit: it looks like you can get a knock off for under $250

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwabe...MI7tXmgPb36wIVDfDACh2X_wiuEAQYBiABEgIfmPD_BwE

There is also the KTC AS10

 

[theoldwizard1]

For DIY, find a place that will do it for you. Probably cost less than a good spring compressor.

GOOD spring compressors are expensive. CHEAP spring compressors may not kill you but they will leave you seriously messed up !

 

[OHMS LAW]

Easier to buy quick struts.

 

[gsingh]

We have the Hazet one at the benz dealership. Works really well.

 

[WinMod21]

I've used the Powerbuilt spring compressor several times, and each time it's worked great. I wouldn't rent or buy any other 2-Pc compressor of lesser quality.

Powerbuilt Tools Kit 1, Strut Spring Compressor Kit 648627: Advance Auto Parts
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...007-P?searchTerm=Powerbuilt spring comprssors

 

[anndel]

I have the OTC Clamshell Strut Spring Compressor 6494 and works well. Its safer than those ones you rent at the parts stores.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Easier to buy quick struts.

Not all created equal. And cheaper to swap springs

 

[Ign]

Easier to buy quick struts.

I just had to do the rear of an '03 Baja and quick struts are unavailable - or at least I couldn't find them.

As for the thread, I've got these ATD death sticks and they seem less deathly as such things go:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I6RQFO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[belvedere]

I'll never forget back in the mid-90s, I stopped at a small indy alignment shop to pick up my car and one of the mechanics was using one of these spring compressors at his bench. I heard a loud noise and looked over to see him flying back and landing on the floor on his back. He laid there motionless and I was afraid he was dead. Turned out he was just stunned and ended up being ok. I've never had a desire to use one after that. I either buy quick struts or pay a shop to switch the springs over for me.

 

[unslow1]

You guys have no sense of adventure. I used to do struts with an Ampro spring coil spring compressor with no locking pins. Now I just use Quickstruts.

 

[jshillin]

I've used this one from Harbor Freight to change quite a few with no issues.

https://www.harborfreight.com/singl...MIpKjc5PX46wIVCbSzCh1g1gw-EAQYASABEgJx6_D_BwE

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I'd like to buy whatever brand of strut I want without worrying about dying, which is why I asked. I've seen people use the sketchy old-school ones but I'd rather not.

 

[noid]

I'd like to buy whatever brand of strut I want without worrying about dying, which is why I asked. I've seen people use the sketchy old-school ones but I'd rather not.

Its overblown: generally all of the stick types now have pins.

 

[bsaint]

Its not cheap though.

Edit: it looks like you can get a knock off for under $250

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwabe...MI7tXmgPb36wIVDfDACh2X_wiuEAQYBiABEgIfmPD_BwE

There is also the KTC AS10

I have this it works great. I would recommend it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[nelstomlinson]

Lisle makes one that fastens onto the spring with u-bolts. It is NOT going to slip off. Works just fine.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

That lisle one looks like it fits the bill, thanks for that. I can't believe I didn't look at lisle...

 

[goblue1998]

Having a third or fourth spring compressor makes a big difference. I have stayed away from this but finally had no choice. I bought two generic sets of 2 and having 3 rather than 2 Compressors made a big difference. Much easier and felt safe.

 

[64merc]

I almost bought a really nice big fancy one this weekend with a rolling stand and everything. They were asking $500 for it, and I finally came to my senses. I really wanted it, but the reality is that I might use it a couple of times, or maybe not at all. I guess after struggling with a cheap HF compressor, I just wanted to do it right next time. If I had the room I would have bought it!!

 

[midorix]

Got something similar to this from Ebay for about $130 couple years ago.

Much safer than those rental spring compressors from car parts store. Manage to use it for my 04 Acura MDX, 07 Lexus IS250, and 17 Mazda Miata without issues.

 

[Den69rs96]

I've used the Powerbuilt spring compressor several times, and each time it's worked great. I wouldn't rent or buy any other 2-Pc compressor of lesser quality.

Powerbuilt Tools Kit 1, Strut Spring Compressor Kit 648627: Advance Auto Parts
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...007-P?searchTerm=Powerbuilt spring comprssors

I have that one. I’ve used it on all my cars and my wife’s acadia. I won’t use it on my Silverado. The springs are too big and stiff for that. I paid a shop to change the front shocks on my truck.

 

[Shehzada]

i have the harbor freight one that I bought 15 year ago but never used.

I'm scared to use it now.

 

[LigouriRd]

From the other spring compressor thread:

I bought this style, though not this brand:

U-bolt grabs the spring and can't come off.
It would be a pain to use every day with the extra bolting and un-bolting.

I too have a similar one. It is a little bit of an annoyance attaching the u-bolts but they will NOT come off until you take them off. Typically the compressor will twist a little as the spring compresses. I have used mine easily twenty times and have never had any issue. The ones with just hooks and little pins scare me.

 

[jgromada]

Having a third or fourth spring compressor makes a big difference. I have stayed away from this but finally had no choice. I bought two generic sets of 2 and having 3 rather than 2 Compressors made a big difference. Much easier and felt safe.

I've done this a few time. I have had a set of 2 piece style originally and it is ok (don't remember manufacturer). But the last time i did this on my BMW i supplemented it with a cheap set from HF to essentially use as a safety. I would never want to rely on the HF solely THAT would be crazy . I do see that they have upgraded a bit over their HF spring compressors to a new Maddox model.

I think if i was going to do this again i would buy a better quality compressor. I really like that standing one.

What really gets me are those idiots that think they are going to make a "funny" Youtube video and they remove that retaining nut with a cordless impact to watch the strut go shooting across the garage.

 

[Chipm]

It's a rectangular device with numbers on it with which I obtain complete strut assemblies, preferably those made by the OEM manufacturer, at a cost far below the separate cost of all the worn components. I also save myself hours of time and avoid mortal danger.

As much as spring compressors ****, I've had terrible luck with quick struts. Typically the spring is made for a range of fitments and screws up the ride height on whatever application I use it for. Most recently was a Lexus RX330 that ended up looking like I put a "leveling kit" on it.

 

[nelstomlinson]

From the other spring compressor thread:

I too have a similar one. It is a little bit of an annoyance attaching the u-bolts but they will NOT come off until you take them off. Typically the compressor will twist a little as the spring compresses. I have used mine easily twenty times and have never had any issue. The ones with just hooks and little pins scare me.

That looks a lot like the Lisle one I have. I wouldn't use any other style.

 

[Qualitytools]

Eastwood makes a nice one

https://www.eastwood.com/fairmount-tools-interchangeable-macpherson-strut-compressor.html

 

[Specracer]

Im guessing that you might be using a Branick, because of you mentioning the wall mount. Assuming so, a comparable caliber machine, both in capabilities, and budget is this. It has an available stand.

OTC Strut Tamer

https://www.otctools.com/products/strut-tamer-ii-extreme

 

[Ign]

As much as spring compressors ****, I've had terrible luck with quick struts. Typically the spring is made for a range of fitments and screws up the ride height on whatever application I use it for. Most recently was a Lexus RX330 that ended up looking like I put a "leveling kit" on it.

As much as I hate to even mention him, Scotty Kilmer did a vid on that, I believe it was his wife's Lexus. Basically he said ride quality was terrible compared to OEM.

I've been doing a lot of econo boxes like Ford Focus and older Subarus, and, too bad - they get quick struts (if available) 'cause it's not worth my time or the customer's money to have me load 'em up in the Branick. Besides, it still always rides better than the old busted clunking creaking struts they had before.

Motorcraft is now offering quick struts for a lot of vehicles like Focii and Escapes. I ASSume the springs on these would be basically as they rolled off the assembly line, but maybe not. Makuloco seems to reco them, if that counts for anything

 

[bwringer]

As much as spring compressors ****, I've had terrible luck with quick struts. Typically the spring is made for a range of fitments and screws up the ride height on whatever application I use it for. Most recently was a Lexus RX330 that ended up looking like I put a "leveling kit" on it.

KYB is the OEM for most Toyota products, and their quick struts have always worked out great for me. (If they're available, anyway.) Made in the US much of the time, too.

I've learned the hard way that the once-proud names Monroe and Gabriel are peddling relabeled Chinese garbage that wears out in a few months and gives you the wrong ride heights. And the assorted fly-by-night Chinese brands aren't even worth installing if you're selling the vehicle tomorrow. Horrible garbage.

It's certainly true that quick-struts, let alone decent OEM brands of quick-struts, are not available for many cars. But that's always my first choice.

Sometimes you are stuck dealing with spring compressors and separate parts, though.

 

[M635_Guy]

That Hazet one looks great - l wish mine had that bar on the side (assuming it is for mounting in a vise). It's nice it is impact-suitable - the cheap ones like mine can't do that (which is why they're cheap).

Eastwood makes a nice one

https://www.eastwood.com/fairmount-tools-interchangeable-macpherson-strut-compressor.html

This is essentially the same one I have, bought years ago on eBay for about that much money. Eastwood has a nicer case and pads (which is nice I suppose).

I've been very happy with it, as have the folks I've loaned it to over time.

Bolted to the spring or not, I'm not trusting the "claw"-type compressors.

I have to admit that if there is a built/complete assembly available for a moderate premium, I'll do that vs. buying the strut and building. My old BMW definitely doesn't have that option.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

KYB is the OEM for most Toyota products, and their quick struts have always worked out great for me. (If they're available, anyway.) Made in the US much of the time, too.

I was disappointed to see that the last KYB shocks I ordered came from China. Struts were from Japan. These were for a MY14-18 Mazda3.

 

[Ign]

I put Moog quick struts on the front of my '07 F150 and I swear within 18 months they were doing very little, based upon how much the front walks on washboards again. I've just been tolerating it for quite awhile now because I don't feel I have the time or desire to repeat the job on my daily beater.

 

[ZX3ST]

I have the Eastwood piece and I like it. There are other vendors with similar offerings.

https://www.eastwood.com/fairmount-tools-interchangeable-macpherson-strut-compressor.html

 

[csp]

KYB is the OEM for most Toyota products, and their quick struts have always worked out great for me. (If they're available, anyway.) Made in the US much of the time, too.

I have had good luck with KYB quick struts on one of my 4Runners.

I thought Tokico was the OEM for Toyota, however. They were on every truck or 4Runner I've worked on or owned.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Yes, I don't like quick struts much, they're convenient but that's it. KYB is my preferred brand. I don't mind swapping springs, just want to be safe.