IHADAV8.com - Turbo Buick Tech, and Nonsense

Tech Area => General Auto Tech => Topic started by: Shimy87 on July 03 2012, 11:24:35 AM

Title: spring compressor??
Post by: Shimy87 on July 03 2012, 11:24:35 AM

Need to change front shocks in my daily driver, 05 STS, and shops want $300 labor. I can get a spring compressor for $50 and do it myself. Any type of compressor work better than another??

Title: Re: spring compressor??
Post by: SuperSix on July 03 2012, 12:00:57 PM

Quote from: Shimy87 on July 03 2012, 11:24:35 AM

Need to change front shocks in my daily driver, 05 STS, and shops want $300 labor. I can get a spring compressor for $50 and do it myself. Any type of compressor work better than another??

See if you can rent one from Autozone, etc. Many stores have tool rental programs.

I assume it's a McPherson strut system, correct?

Title: Re: spring compressor??
Post by: Shimy87 on July 03 2012, 02:16:33 PM

actually spring over shock set-up. And I looked on good ol e-bay and can get a compressor for $16.  No brainer!

Title: Re: spring compressor??
Post by: Just a Six? on July 03 2012, 03:15:03 PM

Lots of stories of springs flying around so be careful & chain it up. I can do the rears easily but I shy away from any front end work. I would try the tool rental progam since it's probably a decent unit??  :chin:

Title: Re: spring compressor??
Post by: ULYCYC on July 03 2012, 03:58:17 PM

If you go to a real auto parts store that has a machine shop they will assemble them for you. Some also sell them loaded and you just exchange yours.

Title: Re: spring compressor??
Post by: Scott87 on July 03 2012, 04:48:27 PM

If you do decide to do it yourself make sure to put a lite coat of oil on the threads..

There is also a level you should probably purchase too. You affix it to the rotor zero it out. Then when you put the new strut back in make sure to put it back in rough bubble.

This will help with the alignment chances are good you will want to get an alignment.

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Title: Re: spring compressor??
Post by: $1987 GN$ on July 03 2012, 07:10:34 PM

Quote from: Shimy87 on July 03 2012, 02:16:33 PM

actually spring over shock set-up. And I looked on good ol e-bay and can get a compressor for $16.  No brainer!

Not sure what you are getting for 16 bux sounds like some cheap threaded rod and hooks of questionable strength. Rent the tool you will get your money back when you take the tool back . . .

Or have the shop change them for you, it is a easy job done correctly and  done incorrectly will kill or maim you !

Also check/clean and or replace the strut bearings to they go bad from dirt and when you take the strut out it is easy to change.

AJ___

Title: Re: spring compressor??
Post by: Steve Wood on July 03 2012, 07:59:16 PM

I would trade it in on a new one!  Another couple of years of these economic policies and the inflation will render your payments into pocket change....just like it did in the '70s here, and later in Argentina and Brasil