The "Rolls Royce" of strut tools?

[Nortonguy]

I am going to change the struts on my wife's 2000 Camry. I know how the right tools can be the difference between a job being enjoyable or frustrating!

What is the best brand and model of tool for changing out struts? I know I am going to need something to move the springs onto the new struts. There are a lot of brand names out there, Snap-on, Craftsman, Blackhawk, Lisle etc..

What tools did you have or use for the job? Anything special besides the spring compressor needed?

Thanks in advance.....!

[TedL]

While I'm a pretty hard core DIY'r, with a full tool box, this is one operation I hand over to the local (NAPA warehouse) machine shop, which charges me $20 per strut for the swap. The OTC tool which seems to be the best runs over $200.

[Luc]

I've use this before and it was very easy. However, the teeth on the long threaded bolt wore out over time and wouldn't thread anymore. Instruction indicated to use a socket wrench to turn, but I use an impact wrench instead since it made (de)compressing faster.

The last time I worked on the suspension, I used these, which did the job, but just took longer. These have a lifetime warranty from HF, so when my first set was unusable, I brought them back and was given a new set on the spot.

Needless to say, neither is the "Rolls Royce" of compressor tools.

[garytho]

Not sure what your time constraints are or your budget,...but I opted for replacing the entire strut assemblys for mine. It's SO much easier and you never have to worry about the mounts, coils, bearings again for a long time. I had the job done in under 2 hours (took my time) and the car sat nicer and rode so much better!! Taking the coils out can be a PIA and possibly dangerous for someone who never tackled it before. I've let the shop exchange the coils for me also after doing it myself a couple of times. Now I just replace the whole assemblys for peace of mind and ease of job. Note: Soak your steering knuckle bolts with PB blaster a few times days before you plan on doing it,.....it's worth it.

[BMR]

I've got a set of spring compressors from Harbor Freight, exactly like the ones Luc posted a link to. I've used them oooh... ten times now. No issues with 'em. They certainly aren't the best tool out there. But I find them adequate for my needs. I keep the threads lubed with some grease. And I never use an air wrench on them.

This one looks

This one looks

Rolls Roycie to me.

This one too

This one too

.

[ajkalian]

Originally Posted by BMR

This one looks Rolls Roycie to me. This one too.

No kidding...real Rolls Roycie.

Here's the Harbor Freight deluxe model. I've been tempted to get it, but like you I got the Harbor Freight's el-cheapo deluxe model for $10.00 and added some washers to beef it up a bit.

Every once in a while they go on sale for $35.00. I just saw the online price maybe I should have bought them when they only cost $35.00.

http://www.harborfreight.com/single-...sor-43753.html

a little more Rolls Roycie...

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-a...sor-65549.html





.

[JohnGD]

Yes the Branick one IMO is the Rolls of compression tools. But for lighter weight cars like a Camry the Craftsman tool works fine. It's got lifetime warranty too. Autozone's free loaner program has something similar to the Craftsman, so check it out.

OEM27036 on http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ino...gAndSuspension

The strut mounts should be changed with the strut. If you add up the two components alone, then the Monroe QuickStrut with a OESpectrum strut looks like a great value. It's got lifetime warranty too. Easy and fast to swap out.

Use a 1/2" breaker bar and torque wrench from Harbor Freight.

[Tom 2000]

I remember a similar thread from 2 years ago. I changed the struts on my 2000 Camry and I used spring compressors from Craftsman. They are superior quality compared to the cheap ones from Harbor Freight and inspires confidence when you use them.

See the 1st reply to this thread which I wrote couple of years ago for details.

strut install guide?

[carsrus]

With the cost of quickstruts being so low that is asically the best option for diy. However at work we use a wall mount compressor and it really make it a breeze. But if your sturts are making the typical clunk and clank noise you need mounts. Ive seen struts with 150k on them still hold gas but the mount was bad.

[Mister_Perkins]

Harbor Freight carries some spring compressors that are simply some hooks, with a piece of all-thread and nuts to hold it in place. Its about $10-$20.00

Grab yourself an impact gun, and hook it to the spring on both sides of the spring, spin the top nut in evenly (compressing both sides at the same time -- little bit on each nut) until you can remove the strut nut. Remove the strut nut, take off the tower bushing, and uncompress the spring. Done.

[ThurzNite]

The original post question is very vague, seems that everybody's interpreting the question as "which spring compressor to use?"

I thought he was asking about everything, from wrenches to sockets. Anyways, here's my contribution. Just found out CostCo sells lifts.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...t21277&topnav=

Not Rolls of lifts, but pretty dang good if u got one at your residence.

Dr J

[Mister_Perkins]

Well the hardest (not enjoyable) part of the strut change is the rear sway bar links. They dont like to come off sometimes!

[WaxonWaxStillOn]

Originally Posted by ThurzNite

The original post question is very vague, seems that everybody's interpreting the question as "which spring compressor to use?"

I thought he was asking about everything, from wrenches to sockets. Anyways, here's my contribution. Just found out CostCo sells lifts.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11589445&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eC at=BC|3960|21277|61837&N=4018446&Mo=3&pos=5&No=0&N r=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=61837&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignD esc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC22577-Cat21277&topnav=

Not Rolls of lifts, but pretty dang good if u got one at your residence.

Dr J

That would be a great suggestion...if we didn't already all have one. Don't you?? :P

[Nortonguy]

Thanks for all the replies. To clarify, I like fine, high-quality tools and vintage tools. I don't like buying cheap tools, I have had too many break or wear out prematurely. So I figure that since I am probably going to working on cars with struts for the last 10-20 years of my life, I would like a higher quality strut-spring compressor that will maybe make the job a bit easier and safer than using the cheapest tools or doing something like binding the spring with a chain before you jack the car up....did it.

I ended up going to Sears and getting their spring compressor, it looks pretty well made and has the safety feature to positively hold the coils. It is not the cost-be-damned tool, but it looks pretty good and I will give it a try.

I ordered new KYB struts which will be in Monday afternoon, and my parts store also says they will have all the MOOG strut mounts in stock if I need them.

I have put new front pads on the car, checked the rear shoes, and today I just picked up a set of Lexus five-spoke alloy wheels off a 99' es300 for $100 complete with lug nuts and center caps.

The new timing belt, water pump and idlers seem to be happy too. So by mid-week, hopefully the car will be all back together and ready for another 100K of driving.....fingers crossed....

[Addisone]

Great
This is some problem
I am going to change the struts on my wife's 2000 Camry. I know how the right tools can be the difference between a job being enjoyable or frustrating!
Thanks.