|
Brakes & Suspension Forum sponsored by The Tire Rack |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
05-22-2022, 02:43 PM | #1 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 202850
Join Date: Feb 2009
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Central New Jersey
Vehicle:2006 WRX Limited Silver |
Front spring compressor recomendation
Doing front struts on my 06 wrx and the compressor tool I purchased isn't getting enough on the spring to compress the spring evenly. I'm getting 2 coils on one side and 3 on the other and this looks super sketchy to me. Anyone buy a tool that works? Below is the tool I have.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
|
05-23-2022, 07:26 AM | #2 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 530011
Join Date: May 2022
|
Yeah, those type of compressors can be pretty scary and look like they are going to twist off. Make sure to use the safety pins on them. That type that you linked to have worked better for me than the clamshell style ones though.
Clamshell: https://www.amazon.com/OTC-6494-Clam.../dp/B0002SRHU6 If you aren't comfortable doing it yourself, I'm sure a shop would swap them out for you for $50 or so using a professional compressor. https://www.amazon.com/OTC-6637-ST-S.../dp/B01MST7FR3 Good luck. |
05-24-2022, 01:25 PM | #3 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 30804
Join Date: Dec 2002
Chapter/Region:
SWIC
Vehicle:87 Yugo Red |
Dude - I have used those spring compressors. Even had one fail (which sucked and hurt). Take your struts down to your local suspension shop with $50 and a sixer of bud and they'll swap the springs for you using the proper tool.
|
05-24-2022, 10:43 PM | #4 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 22412
Join Date: Aug 2002
Chapter/Region:
SWIC
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Vehicle:2024 Legacy Sport |
I used a set of the hooks on acme threaded rod style for years - needed something with a little more range when I swapped out for Konis on my car so bought this set - it's pretty awesome (definitely need to lube it up and don't use power tools and it works very well)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071DQJG24...v_ov_lig_dp_it |
05-25-2022, 03:06 PM | #5 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 107618
Join Date: Feb 2006
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: NY
Vehicle:06 GG WRX / 09 FXT @florencedestinedfxt |
these other terrible reviews on amazon for either type of spring compressor are a bit worrisome
|
05-25-2022, 03:29 PM | #6 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 515308
Join Date: Jun 2020
|
I broke a compressor last time, end came off but it didn’t realize the spring, was like having a bomb in your hand. O threw it off the porch, didn’t come loose, ended up putting it in the press, compressed it, and still had to bang on the compressor which a rubber mallet to come loose.
|
05-25-2022, 11:47 PM | #7 | |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 22412
Join Date: Aug 2002
Chapter/Region:
SWIC
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Vehicle:2024 Legacy Sport |
Quote:
There is a ton of stored energy in a compressed car spring - you need to be mindful of that for sure! |
|
05-29-2022, 10:36 AM | #8 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 318302
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: CT
Vehicle:2004 Sti WRB |
I think I have the exact same set as the original poster. Not a huge fan of them but on the 3 or 4 spring/strut jobs I used them on it got the job done, and like DrD says in the reply before mine, there's a way to use them safely.
What I have found is that it doesn't require too much compression to take the load off of the strut top when removing the main nut, or when installing a strut top. Maybe my experiences have been different, but I never had to wrench down all the way on the compressors, usually far from that. The tool's annoying tendency to only fit an uneven number of coils on one side of the spring vs. another is definitely a valid complaint. When that happens I still try to have each compressor taking up an equal amount of load so it's not imbalanced and a hazard waiting to happen. |
06-01-2022, 09:20 AM | #9 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 107618
Join Date: Feb 2006
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: NY
Vehicle:06 GG WRX / 09 FXT @florencedestinedfxt |
Thanks for the confidence boost, guys. Last time I used a set like that was in my teens with my dad changing out some struts for a Camry (I think). I've been running TIC-spec'd coilovers as my first and only setup on my wagon and now I'm trying to gain more camber with some WL tophats on my Forester. I'll heed your recommendations. Thanks again.
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|