need suggestion car mechanics

[alphatarget1]

I'm thinking of doing a strut job myself but I need to buy some spring compressor... which ones do you recommend (preferrably cheap)

thanks

 

[boyRacer]

you don't know anyone that you could just borrow one from?...

 

[alphatarget1]

nope... none of my friends are into maintaining their cars

 

[SlowSS]

Originally posted by: kenleung
I'm thinking of doing a strut job myself but I need to buy some spring compressor... which ones do you recommend (preferrably cheap)

thanks

Why not just borrow one from Autozone? It doesn't cost much. Of course unless you intend to keep compressor to use it on other projects.

 

[JC]

Those springs can be a real pain.....if you're set on pulling the struts yourself, I'd say take them to a front-end shop with the new struts, and pay them a few bucks to swap the springs onto the new struts. The only compressors that work worth a damn are kinda pricey, if you're only doing it once

JC <----- former front-end mechanic

 

[alphatarget1]

oh yeah thanks for reminding me

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: JC
Those springs can be a real pain.....if you're set on pulling the struts yourself, I'd say take them to a front-end shop with the new struts, and pay them a few bucks to swap the springs onto the new struts. The only compressors that work worth a damn are kinda pricey, if you're only doing it once

JC <----- former front-end mechanic

I don't recall it being very hard at all.

Note: I suppose its a tougher if you have to compress the springs while they're on the car. I didn't have to. Thanks Honda!

 

[Tominator]

If you buy the struts from Autozone or you favorite chain store, they will loan you the tools at no cost. You just leave a deposit.

 

[JC]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: JC
Those springs can be a real pain.....if you're set on pulling the struts yourself, I'd say take them to a front-end shop with the new struts, and pay them a few bucks to swap the springs onto the new struts. The only compressors that work worth a damn are kinda pricey, if you're only doing it once

JC <----- former front-end mechanic

I don't recall it being very hard at all.

Note: I suppose its a tougher if you have to compress the springs while they're on the car. I didn't have to. Thanks Honda!

Depending on the vehicle, it can be a real pain for a DIYer....sometimes an impact wrench is needed to get the top nut off, too.

 

[KMurphy]

Originally posted by: Tominator
If you buy the struts from Autozone or you favorite chain store, they will loan you the tools at no cost. You just leave a deposit.

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: Tominator
If you buy the struts from Autozone or you favorite chain store, they will loan you the tools at no cost. You just leave a deposit.

That's what I heard too... never did it before though since i don't have a car worth dressing up...

 

[Antisocial Virge]

Don't mess up. A slip can take your head off with those things

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: Antisocial-Virge
Don't mess up. A slip can take your head off with those things

A friend busted his lip open replacing his rear springs. Needed a few stiches. Those are some nasty springs.

You're right about the tools tho. I had access to air tools and all the jazz when I did mine. Course, they tell you no to use an impact gun on the top nut