Coil compressor for McPherson type strut

[mikeduf]

2024 Toyota RAV4 .
Want to swap out Factory KYB for the new Bilstein terrasport struts..

Just getting a census of what is a commonly used McPherson strut coil compressor. I see the variations on the internet, but wondering what would be the least expensive safest approach. Any thoughts?

 

[Urshurak776]

You can go rent the tool from your local auto parts store. Just be super careful. Potential energy is deadly. TIP: DO NOT use an impact. Slow and steady with a wrench or pass thorough socket. Nice and even. Gloves and safety glasses.

I bought these a year or so ago. Did my neighbors. Worked fine. $25

https://www.amazon.com/ATP-MacPhers...ext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A5IQCFY0A5J3Y&gQT=1


These look like a good choice also:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028QGTH...c69fb22fd4&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw

 

[PF52]

I have a Craftsman set that looks like that first style. Its so old its Made in USA. Works like a charm.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

NEVER use an impact gun on the spring compressor!

Perhaps this clamshell spring compressor might be good. Harbor Freight used to have a good deal, but they jacked up the price on it and now it's over $100 because they only have it in their more expensive Maddox line instead of the cheaper Pittsburgh they used to have

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

TIP: DO NOT use an impact. Slow and steady with a wrench or pass thorough socket. Nice and even. Gloves and safety glasses.

TIP 2: DO NOT stand in line with the end of the strut or the spring; bodily tissues are not safe nor effective converters of kinetic energy.

 

[Nukeman7]

TIP 2: DO NOT stand in line with the end of the strut or the spring; bodily tissues are not safe nor effective converters of kinetic energy.

TIP 3: Always lubricate the jack screw with oil or grease before using the spring compressor and keep fingers away from pinch points on the coil spring.

These look like a good choice also:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028QGTH...c69fb22fd4&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw

I am pretty certain this style of internal spring compressor will not work on a McPherson strut.

 

[Urshurak776]

TIP 3: Always lubricate the jack screw with oil or grease before using the spring compressor and keep fingers away from pinch points on the coil spring.


I am pretty certain this style of internal spring compressor will not work on a McPherson strut.

Thanks, I didn't realize that. Unfortunately, can't edit post anymore.

 

[mikeduf]

Yes I probably will go with the hook and pin style as it's an external compression on the coil.

Thanks for the safety tips! Yeah those are some hideous little things to compress.
Especially with these little hand compressors.

 

[Nukeman7]

While I haven't personally used this style, I like the more secure/safer design of this BILITOOLS coil spring compressor tool.

 

[CarbonToast]

The clamshell ones are useless! At least for me me it was.

I have the Maddox Macpherson style and have done a couple vehicles with it.

I use my impact to compress them. Don't go crazy, compress them gradually and evenly until the pressure on the top hat is released. You can make the same mistakes with a wrench...

Stay out of the line of fire, keep your fingers out of pinch points. Don't drop the coil while it's compressed.

 

[mikeduf]

Carbon toast, funny you should mention don't drop the coil while it's compressed! Your name isn't Mitch is it. Had a friend from Michigan that did just that in his garage while working on his bench, went through his side door window and pretty much bashed the hell out of the interior! He's was lucky!

 

[D60]

Make a point of regularly searching FB MP or the classifieds of your choice for Branick.

I'm also intrigued by freestanding units like the OEM Tools 37037, which AutoZone lists at $300:


I think styles like that are more common in EU and the UK

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Make a point of regularly searching FB MP or the classifieds of your choice for Branick.

I'm also intrigued by freestanding units like the OEM Tools 37037, which AutoZone lists at $300:


I think styles like that are more common in EU and the UK

They have cheap knockoffs of that on Amazon for $100-200

 

[D60]

They have cheap knockoffs of that on Amazon for $100-200

Sounds safe, what could go wrong? My buddy is all about Temu and he said the same thing: cheap spring compressors on Temu.

Yep, there are cheap spring compressors on Temu. Seems like an excellent place to cut corners

 

[Hohn]

I bought the Maddox (sp?) compressor from Harbor freight. Worked great last use.

 

[TiGeo]

Harbor Freight one works well. Has safety locks to prevent slipping out.

 

[RooflessVW]

I have saved time and sanity by taking the assembly to the dealer I'm friendly with and having them use the wall-mounted spring compressor to swap everything.

 

[pcoxe]

I changed my shocks last year. Used the outside hook and pin type compressors. I have a heavy welding bench that is a basically a steel grate on legs. I chained a middle loop of the spring to the table to limit travel if things went awry. Stand to the side of the spring, not the ends. That is most likely where things may fly.

 

[TiGeo]

The one I used....actually Amazon not Hobo freight.

 

[thescreensavers]

While I haven't personally used this style, I like the more secure/safer design of this BILITOOLS coil spring compressor tool.

View attachment 286360

This is always been the tool I've rented from auto parts stores on my cars, never an issue.

I know for my gx460 the coils are thicker and may run into issues but a RAV4 should be no issues.

A typical 1/2-13 grade 8 fastener can easily handle 12k lbs, so with two fasteners this tool is completely fine and safe. Load them equally little on one side then the other.