Yo Tiger, spring compressor question

[BigKriss]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43753

How easy was it for you to change the springs with the harbour freight spring compressor. The one you gave in the link above looks impressive. I haven't seen this type before.

[genphreak]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43753

How easy was it for you to change the springs with the harbour freight spring compressor. The one you gave in the link above looks impressive. I haven't seen this type before.Now that looks like a nifty tool Kriss! Hard work to do up though, I bet!

[robinbrown]

I have their other style and it has worked fine for me at least 4 times.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3980
The one you were showing will not fit well if the strut is still in some cars. Remember that HF tools are not even close to Snap On so be careful which ever one you choose. This is a dangerous operation!!!!!!!1

[BigKriss]

I would always remove the strut when changing springs, I'm asking tiger because he has one. (http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showpost.php?p=254091&postcount=19)

I have their other style and it has worked fine for me at least 4 times.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3980
The one you were showing will not fit well if the strut is still in some cars. Remember that HF tools are not even close to Snap On so be careful which ever one you choose. This is a dangerous operation!!!!!!!1

[Jon K]

If nothing else that's a cool tool.

[Tiger]

I don't have one. I used my uncle's shop strut spring compressor... the one that mounts to wall... that was super easy.

I have used internal spring compressor for those traditional springs (not mcpherson type) which is like 5 to 10 times more powerful than E34 springs... whoo... talk about dangerous... I had to treat that compressed spring as an IED.

The reason I chose this tool is because it allows you to compress the spring EQUALLY as compared to the other type where you have to physically equalize... (I have used this type super long time ago... two separate side with u bolt to hold in position... talk about scary as that spring did capsize since it wasn't easy to equalize).

The link I showed you is adjustable two way... one is for the diameter of the springs... and the other one is to compress the spring equally. This is basically a modified version of Lincoln spring compressor of similar design.

[Vanguard]

As a side note. The first compressor is not available in the stores or at least not in the Escondido, CA store. I went there specifically for that tool and a large pipe wrench for this task. They also carry a hydraulic ram type compressor for $99 it is carried in the stores.

Being cheap I did buy the the two piece tool instead and found it to work very well. It was a much better experience than the rental compressors I used on a '67 mustang. If you go to HF, be sure to print the online price and take it with you and check the special flyers. I picked up the two piece set for $8.99.

[Tiger]

67 Mustang is a totally different type of spring... that is not strut type like E34... 67 mustange need internal spring compressor to do the job.

Do not use any strut type compressor on those springs... you will kill yourself. I did the job on Mercedes with proper $500 tool and that tool failed on me! I know all about the risk on those type of springs.

Actually for the 67 Mustang, you don't really need the spring compressor... you need floor jacks... Jack car up as high as you can and place on stand. Then put the jack under the lower control arm... break the lower ball joint loose. Once ball joint is loose, lower the jack slowly until the spring is fully released... then grab the spring and pull it out. Reverse to install. I have done this too... on B-type suspension.

[Vanguard]

The mustang is long gone. But I do remember really not liking the spring compressors on that. I changed out the upper and lower A arms on that.

[Tiger]

Yes, I understand your feeling... super dangerous job.

[Johntee540]

KRiss - I have that tool but have not used it yet. It is of a reasonable quality for the work I do in the garage. The Snap-on tool I imagine costs as much as my e34 is worth now.

For my purposes (non-prof) it looks like it will do the job - JT