removing springs from struts without a spring compressor

I’ve known this trick since 1970 when it came with the instructions for installing a BRE 510 Datsun suspension kit....kinda surprised it doesn’t show up more often. Been doing this ever since...

To safely remove a spring from a strut without a spring compressor...this assumes they are already out of the car.

Loosen the top hat nut about 1 turn...just enough to have the nut run freely with an right angle air ratchet. Don’t use an impact wrench as your fingers will still be in the way.

Wrap the top hat and spring tightly in a big bath towel, and lay the strut on the shop floor.

Point the top hat out the door of your shop and away from people, cars, and anything you don’t want bruised.

Fire up the ratchet and unscrew the top hat nut.

When the nut reaches the end of the shaft, the top hat, spring, and nut will spring off quickly, but the towel will retard them rapidly. They won’t travel more than a few feet.

ill probably just rent a spring compressor for 5 bucks. good in a pinch though

I’ve known this trick since 1970 when it came with the instructions for installing a BRE 510 Datsun suspension kit....kinda surprised it doesn’t show up more often. Been doing this ever since...

To safely remove a spring from a strut without a spring compressor...this assumes they are already out of the car.

Loosen the top hat nut about 1 turn...just enough to have the nut run freely with an right angle air ratchet. Don’t use an impact wrench as your fingers will still be in the way.

Wrap the top hat and spring tightly in a big bath towel, and lay the strut on the shop floor.

Point the top hat out the door of your shop and away from people, cars, and anything you don’t want bruised.

Fire up the ratchet and unscrew the top hat nut.

When the nut reaches the end of the shaft, the top hat, spring, and nut will spring off quickly, but the towel will retard them rapidly. They won’t travel more than a few feet.

 

He's from Texas Figures.

How are you to install the new strut on the spring?

 

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Stores like autozone loan the spring compressor tool out for free. Why not just go down and get one?

You used to be able to order springs bound. Can you do that with Subaru springs?

Is there a stupid way to re-assemble the strut/spring ?

is there a stupid way to re-assemble the strut/spring ?

 

+1

I've seen how fast things come apart when they break. no thanks not trusting this i will use a spring compressor... thanks

 

Jay

dont be silly and listen to this guy this is very unsafe.... spend the 50 bucks ( that you get back ) when you rent a spring compressor from the parts store..

Three pieces of rope, tied onto the coil,every 120 degrees, twisted with socket extensions. It works, but is dangerous:lol:

No answer on whether its safe to bind Subaru springs?

No answer on whether its safe to bind Subaru springs?

 

Yes, it is unsafe

A more simple and safer way to do it, is to remove the shaft nut 1st while the car is on the ground. Then remove the 3 bolts holding the top hat. Next raise the car slowly and the weight of the car will slowly decompress the spring. Remove the 2 lower bolts, while making sure the spring is decompressed, if not, push down on the rotor to fully decompress it before removing the 2 lower bolts.

I've done this on my road race cars, my autocross cars, and my daily drivers...never been hurt. It saves time and hassle, and is quite safe if done correctly. Obviously, there is no accounting for idiots here as any where.

 

Yes, you use a spring compressor to reinstall...UNLESS you get lucky enough that the shorter springs you are installing allow you to physically compress them enough by hand...had that happen multiple times.

iNVAR...I've been to NYC...was NOT impressed...

Might be best to avoid the snide comments until you know who you're conversing with...

For a Texan, you have some pretty thin skin.

Just cut them.

Just cut them.

 

While they're still on the car!

I'd rather not do it. The two times I've loaded struts, I went to a trusted shop.

 

One of the techs there told me he used to remove the springs while mounted to the car--he said he'd remove the wheel, then put an old tire under the strut, then unbolt the top hat.

 

Sounded sketchy, but not so sketchy as this towel trick.

Meow.

Ugh...I'm cancelling my subscription to this site. Going to Nasioc, so much better advice over there.