which cordless impact is the smallest for doing quick struts?

[wild cowboy]

I need to know what is the smallest, lightest cordless impact that would still have enough torque to install quick-struts on most vehicles.

I seem to be getting roped into doing a lot of these lately.

the big IR 1/2" W7150 and Milwaukee 2763 1/2" seem very heavy and overkill for this common job, as I am not living in the extreme rust-salt states.

 

[DodgeMech]

Sorry for the dumbassery, but what are quick struts? If you mean r&r'ing full strut assemblies, I use my mg31...but if you don't have air, I'd think any of the 3/8 18/20 volt guns would handle it...I like the color yellow, personally

 

[Banjorear]

I've got both the 1/2" and 3/8" Fuel impacts. I've attached a picture to show you the size difference. I've used the 3/8" for struts and other tight quarter jobs. Worked great. I also have the compact batteries so that helps as well.

 

[wild cowboy]

I've got both the 1/2" and 3/8" Fuel impacts. I've attached a picture to show you the size difference. I've used the 3/8" for struts and other tight quarter jobs. Worked great. I also have the compact batteries so that helps as well.

hey I see those RCA vacuum tubes sitting there! - I am the tube man! - I was formerly a large buyer and seller of vintage vacuum tubes and tube testers on ebay! - Not fooling with the business end of it as much of late, just enjoying them for the ultimate in high-end stereo sound.

 

[Banjorear]

hey I see those RCA vacuum tubes sitting there! - I am the tube man! - I was formerly a large buyer and seller of vintage vacuum tubes and tube testers on ebay! - Not fooling with the business end of it as much of late, just enjoying them for the ultimate in high-end stereo sound.

Yeah, got some old Fender guitar amps and other tube powered guitar gear.

I'm going to send you a PM regarding some tubes. Cool?

 

[wild cowboy]

Sorry for the dumbassery, but what are quick struts?

Monroe Quick-Strut

keeps a few more mechanics alive each year from getting killed doing the most dangerous job in auto-mechanics - and saves time as well

 

[Banjorear]

Monroe Quick-Strut

keeps a few more mechanics alive each year from getting killed doing the most dangerous job in auto-mechanics - and saves time as well

Funny, Honda had been selling strut assemblies like this for a few years. They usual only cost a few bucks more than just the strut. No brainer and it's easy to do.

 

[bubinga]

Funny, Honda had been selling strut assemblies like this for a few years. They usual only cost a few bucks more than just the strut. No brainer and it's easy to do.

your better off too, I think,
if the struts worn, the spring is too.
And may as well benefit from the new mount and bearing assembly too.
Only way to go, IMO.

 

[Banjorear]

your better off too, I think,
if the struts worn, the spring is too.
And may as well benefit from the net mount and bearing assembly too.
Only way to go, IMO.

Agreed.

 

[wild cowboy]

also, other companies do the same thing as quick struts now, such as KYB Strut-Plus

 

[Cope]

Funny, Honda had been selling strut assemblies like this for a few years. They usual only cost a few bucks more than just the strut. No brainer and it's easy to do.

Wish I had know this, I put a set on my KIA Sportage and my daughter's CR-V using a strut tool.

 

[Banjorear]

also, other companies do the same thing as quick struts now, such as KYB Strut-Plus

I need them for my '08 Honda fit. Only sell the insert and case and not the assembly. Stinks for I hate doing the job when I have to compress the spring.

 

[Voi]

I've got both the 1/2" and 3/8" Fuel impacts. I've attached a picture to show you the size difference.

That picture is comparing the 3/8" Compact to the 1/2" High Torque, correct?

I think the 3/8 and 1/2 Fuel impacts are the same size, other than the anvil.

 

[DodgeMech]

Monroe Quick-Strut

keeps a few more mechanics alive each year from getting killed doing the most dangerous job in auto-mechanics - and saves time as well

eh, if you know what you're doing, it ain't that hard to do...and if it's warranty, i know that chrysler anyway doesn't offer full assemblies...

anyway, as for the original question, like i said earlier, it's up to your preference of color...

yellow

http://www.dewalt.com/tools/cordless-impact-driverswrenches-drivers--wrenches-dcf883l2.aspx

red

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2654-22ct

green

http://makitatools.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?Name=XWT06

blue

http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=IWH181-01

 

[blackwire]

Sorry for the dumbassery, but what are quick struts? If you mean r&r'ing full strut assemblies, I use my mg31...but if you don't have air, I'd think any of the 3/8 18/20 volt guns would handle it...I like the color yellow, personally

They are pre-assembled strut assemblies made by Monroe. You don't have to worry about replacing the spring and strut mount because it is already assembled for you. The down side is that some of them clunk because the nut holding everything together is sometimes improperly torqued from the factory. Not hard to fix, but it does not leave one with a feeling of confidence about assembly quality. That being said I would still take them over traditional struts any day because they are so much easier to deal with.

 

[Banjorear]

That picture is comparing the 3/8" Compact to the 1/2" High Torque, correct?

I think the 3/8 and 1/2 Fuel impacts are the same size, other than the anvil.

Yes, you are correct. It is the 3/8ths compact. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[MattPersman]

They are pre-assembled strut assemblies made by Monroe. You don't have to worry about replacing the spring and strut mount because it is already assembled for you. The down side is that some of them clunk because the nut holding everything together is sometimes improperly torqued from the factory. Not hard to fix, but it does not leave one with a feeling of confidence about assembly quality. That being said I would still take them over traditional struts any day because they are so much easier to deal with.

At least 50% of them have the nut too loose! I agree. Tighten or torque it down when you get it out of the box.

 

[wild cowboy]

At least 50% of them have the nut too loose! I agree. Tighten or torque it down when you get it out of the box.

where do you get the torque spec? - it's not exactly the vehicle manufacturer's torque spec since all of the components to this contraption are after-market!

 

[creativecars]

where do you get the torque spec? - it's not exactly the vehicle manufacturer's torque spec since all of the components to this contraption are after-market!

It should be "Exactly the OEM torque spec". I am really surprised this is a question. BTW can easily be done without a cordless tool. A 3/8 will do the job.

 

[wild cowboy]

It should be "Exactly the OEM torque spec". I am really surprised this is a question. BTW can easily be done without a cordless tool. A 3/8 will do the job.

all of the **** being held together is non-OEM - so wouldn't the torque to hold this sandwich of non-OEM parts depend on the specs of those parts?

we are not talking about one you assembled together yourself with a spring compressor using the real OEM parts

 

[MattPersman]

You can call Monroe or use OEM spec. They may tell you it's torqued to spec but I have found other wise after doing a few and being an issue I just tighten them down out of the box

 

[creativecars]

Most parts are designed to meet or exceed OEM spec. if used correctly. Any company that wants to sell automotive parts will compare to these specs. if they want to stay in business. Especially where fasteners and safety are a concern.

 

[jdmstr]

Most anything would do i would say a milwaukee fuel 3/8 could manage the job if you need something super compact but still has the grunt to break the strut free from the knuckle.

 

[jdmstr]

Monroe Quick-Strut

keeps a few more mechanics alive each year from getting killed doing the most dangerous job in auto-mechanics - and saves time as well

keep incompetent mechanics safe and waste your clients money as well.

 

[zoomzoomjeff]

keep incompetent mechanics safe and waste your clients money as well.

For price, they were wayyy cheaper for our Camry than just buying 1 or 2 separate items. If you added up ALL the components, I think it was about 2x the cost to buy individual parts, if not more. Plus.....it's already assembled.

 

[markw365]

Monroe Quick-Strut

keeps a few more mechanics alive each year from getting killed doing the most dangerous job in auto-mechanics - and saves time as well

Just threw a set on my daughters Mazda 3, took about an hour for both, used the Milwaukee 3/8" fuel. Love that gun and the 1/2 big brother.

 

[stikman56]

Smallest 3/8" i can ever remember seeing was a Dewalt.

 

[Banjorear]

keep incompetent mechanics safe and waste your clients money as well.

Totally disagree. Some OEM quick strut assemblies aren't much more $$ than just the insert. Especially when you add in the upper bearing, boot, and other parts that should be replaced as well. Let's face, most people don't replace their struts until they are way overdue. On a front heavy car like a Honda Pilot, the spring is shot too by the time the strut is replaced.

Makes a lot of sense to replace the unit with new. To me, it an economical way and safe for your clients.

 

[poorboy87]

Dewalt lithium 12 volt 3/8. I love em.

 

[bubinga]

Smallest 3/8" i can ever remember seeing was a Dewalt.

I have the 18Volt 3/8" drive dewalt, I *don't think* it would have the power for the strut to knuckle bolts, although I have not tried it.
it is a nice little gun though.

 

[bubinga]

Totally disagree. Some OEM quick strut assemblies aren't much more $$ than just the insert. Especially when you add in the upper bearing, boot, and other parts that should be replaced as well. Let's face, most people don't replace their struts until they are way overdue. On a front heavy car like a Honda Pilot, the spring is shot too by the time the strut is replaced.

Makes a lot of sense to replace the unit with new. To me, it an economical way and safe for your clients.

I agree, as basically stated in an earlier post.