replace front struts 99 camry

On Sat, 30 Dec 2006 14:56:46 -0800, wp51dos wrote:

> 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.


This is a joke, right?

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

"wp51dos" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]
>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.
>

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" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]
>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 Sun, 31 Dec 2006 11:15:35 -0800, Jeff Strickland wrote:

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

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.



>
> 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" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]
>>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.
>>
>>