replace front struts 99 camry

I want to replace front struts on my 99 camry. I don't have spring
compressor. It looks to me like I can compress coil spring by having 3
friends sit on fender, then remove center fastener, then have them
slowly remove weight.

On Sat, 30 Dec 2006 14:56:46 -0800, wp51dos wrote:
[color=blue]
> I want to replace front struts on my 99 camry. I don't have spring
> compressor. It looks to me like I can compress coil spring by having 3
> friends sit on fender, then remove center fastener, then have them slowly
> remove weight.[/color]


This is a joke, right?

Would you like donations to a favored charity in lieu of flowers?

You'll also remove a finger or some teeth (plush dent the fender). Rent or
buy a spring compressor - Harbor Freight has one for like $10-20.

"wp51dos" <wp51dos@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1167519406.529008.32270@i12g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
>I want to replace front struts on my 99 camry. I don't have spring
> compressor. It looks to me like I can compress coil spring by having 3
> friends sit on fender, then remove center fastener, then have them
> slowly remove weight.
>[/color]

"wp51dos" <wp51dos@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1167519406.529008.32270@i12g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
>I want to replace front struts on my 99 camry. I don't have spring
> compressor. It looks to me like I can compress coil spring by having 3
> friends sit on fender, then remove center fastener, then have them
> slowly remove weight.
>[/color]

The strut assembly has to be removed from the vehicle before compressing the
spring. Using the hook-type spring compressor may work, but IMO, they are
very dangerous and not something I would attempt. Shops that do a lot of
strut work have a wall-mounted strut compressor that places a protective
cage around the assembly before compressing the spring for greatly improved
safety. After the strut is replaced, the suspension will need to be
re-aligned.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

AutoZone has a Tool Loaner Program where they will let you use the spring
compressor for free.

I can't imagine how your strategy could be successful because even when the
car is pressed down, the spring remains under considerable pressure.





"wp51dos" <wp51dos@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1167519406.529008.32270@i12g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
>I want to replace front struts on my 99 camry. I don't have spring
> compressor. It looks to me like I can compress coil spring by having 3
> friends sit on fender, then remove center fastener, then have them
> slowly remove weight.
>[/color]

On Sun, 31 Dec 2006 11:15:35 -0800, Jeff Strickland wrote:
[color=blue]
> AutoZone has a Tool Loaner Program where they will let you use the spring
> compressor for free.[/color]

Not the one they showed me! I went across the street and cut a deal with
the guys at Meineke...

It cost $30 a strut, but I still have my teeth! That tool was awful! The
'clamps' were loose and looked like they would let the spring slip out.
I ain't that brave.

For $40 you can buy a Lisle that BOLTS onto the spring. It's about 1/4"
steel U-Bolt that bolts arond the spring and into the tool with a 1/2" nut.
About the safest 'portable' tool I have seen.


[color=blue]
>
> I can't imagine how your strategy could be successful because even when
> the car is pressed down, the spring remains under considerable pressure.
>
>
>
>
>
> "wp51dos" <wp51dos@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1167519406.529008.32270@i12g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...[color=green]
>>I want to replace front struts on my 99 camry. I don't have spring
>> compressor. It looks to me like I can compress coil spring by having 3
>> friends sit on fender, then remove center fastener, then have them
>> slowly remove weight.
>>
>>[/color][/color]