auzivision

Swapping out coils... Will a pair of these work?

http://images.harborfreight.com/cpi/...1/images/8.jpg

http://www.harborfreight.com/review/...stomer-reviews

They seem kind of cheap… anybody around here ever use them?

There is also this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/single-...sor-43753.html

What do others around here use?

76FJ55

I have an old set like the first ones you have pictured, that I have used sucessfully on numberous applications.

rluvsporsche

Kurt,

I've used the first photo but cost me $10.99. First time is definitely scary but nothing to it.

blown 87

Go talk to some one who has had a set come apart, if they can still talk.

This is not a place to go cheap.

auzivision

So this one is the way to go?

http://www.automotivetoolsonline.com...0_p_11951.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Strut...motiveQ5fTools

or maybe this one?

http://www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-647...=pd_sbs_auto_6

stolarzj

I've used one like the one you just posted on probably 30 or more struts at this point without any issues.

redpathtribe

Been having a similar discussion on the "Spring Life Expectancy" thread here. Couple good suggestions from Rob and Dr. Bob.

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...xpectancy.html

I've already picked up the "loaner tool" spring compressors from Auto Zone (no cost if returned, only a refundable deposit). They look heavy duty enough for the task.

nosnow

Unless you buy a quality compressor for several hundred I would just work with a local shop. I pulled the struts and had a shop replace the shock for $60. It was well worth the money!

aaddpp

Paul, for someone that has not done this before, is there anything special you should look for in a shop / tell them when you drop off the springs and shocks. BTW, a few pages back in the ongoing 928 picture thread, there is a photo of a much heavier duty looking spring compressor. I know nothing about it, but it looks like it means more business than the cheap stuff. There, i didn't fully hijack the thread

Dave

blown 87

We have a winner.
There is a reason that Snap-On no longer sells these types of tools like are listed above, it was because the lawsuits just got to expensive.
They had some that were made at the snap-on plant and also sold the OTC ones.

For 50-60 bucks it is just not worth taking a chance.

I have a fairly cheap one.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000K1BJNG

I had a Snap-On and a OTC set before I got the Branick, and had the OTC one try to kill a guy in the shop, Snap-On took the other one back 15 years ago when the lawsuits were going on IIRC.

I have never seen one like Rob has, but that is about as low as I would go with one, his looks pretty good.

Out of the low priced ones, these look as safe as any.

http://www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-647...=pd_sbs_auto_6

Rob Edwards

The problem with many of the cheaper threaded rod-type spring compressors is that for the front springs, you need to be able to grab at least 4 coils' worth of spring to compress them enough to release the spring pressure on the spring perches. And the upper spring perch on the front shocks interfered with the cast iron 'hook' portion of the cheapie HF compressors I bought as I was tightening down on the bolts.

Furthermore, if you don't compress the spring evenly, it's really hard to get the upper spring perch 'hat' to sit straight on the spring and get the end of the spring into its recess in the hat. All in all a giant PITA, apart from the danger factor.

Eventually I got them to work by turning them upside down, but it was not confidence inspiring and using an impact wrench on them generated a somewhat disturbing pile of metal shavings from the threads.

I spent a month or two following Ebay auctions for used Branick compressors, but they always went to $300+. So I compromised on the one shown in the spring life expectancy thread.

Ragnar Joensen

I have purchased 2 sets of the compressors shown on the picture. They accept a ½" ratchet or extension. It is intended to be used by the pair, but I use 3 compressors, which gives easier compression and a good backup if one should go.

I dont expect it to go, as they are well made and fairly fine threaded. I do not use powertools. I wrench it by hand, giving me well deserved / needed exercise.

The powertools would just reduce the time that I spend with the 928 - why would I want to do that ?

Consider that the spring / damper assy is held together by one nut at the top of the damper before installation. That nut is smaller than the nuts of the compressors. If the thread of the compressors is as fine as the damper thread and the welding / quality of the compressors is good, there should not be a problem.


Ragnar

nosnow

Basically any shop that does shock or suspension work will have propper tools. I'd start with your favorite tire shop, if you have a relationship chances are they will cut you a good deal.

blown 87

That is what happened to the one that let go in my shop, the nut let go of the threaded rod and it was OUT OF THERE.

Jfrahm

I have a set of the super cheap HF compressors and I really should throw them away. The similar free rental kit from AutoZone is way way better, stronger and better metal.

I just did the front struts on my 4runner and have the 'jaws of life' HF tool but it would not fit on the tight coils of the Toyota spring. I tried the $8 kit that I had laying around, saw the screws bending and drove to AZ to rent the better kit. No problem with the good kit. No scary bending, no metal shavings. I greased up the threads for smooth operation.

I got the jaws of life one as I was told it'd fit the 928 front springs. I have not gotten to sorting those out yet.

-Joel.