Having someone else work on your car.... car guy sin or not?

[edyvw]

I found a compressor with u-bolts that capture the spring, which seems pretty safe to me? I got it for swapping springs on the Neon for autocross and it was not a terrible job. But now, if I can find a KYB quickstrut, they are good enough for my purposes.
I suspect you do more statistically dangerous things, than use a spring compressor, but those activities are more fun! So worth the risks.

I mean, doing job is not an issue. I did far more complex and tedious work. And you are right, doing some outdoor activities is dangerous. Every day I walk and step on left foot, my knee reminds me of that.
But it is also ROI. BMW probably won’t need struts for a long time since it has B6 on it, and if something goes it will be struts mount or bearing. Tiguan has B4’s.
Sequoia will get Bilsteins. So that is only vehicle I will do struts in next 5-7yrs? $854 + tax is not bad price for that machine but still contemplating.
And then, there is bigger issue: if I get strut machine, I might just start doing it because I have itch to see what happens. Then I will change B4’s on Tiguan for B6 etc.

 

[supton]

On the fence. Can't do everything one's self. Some things are better farmed out. But there's always this fear that you won't get what you paid for. At the moment I've sold my soul for the most soul-less machines in hopes of minimizing this problem.

 

[Hall]

What kind of rigs do these mechs drive? They'd have to have every tool onboard they might need for the job.

I'd guess that most mobile mechanics stick to basic maintenance or repairs and don't need a ton of tools or specialty stuff. Most just do oil changes, brake pad/rotor jobs, maybe valve cover replacement, spark plugs, etc. They might do a bearing/hub assembly replacement when it's a bolted type but if it needs pressed off and back on, they're turning those jobs down.

 

[JunkdrawerDog]

At the moment I've sold my soul for the most soul-less machines in hopes of minimizing this problem.

Ya gotta do what ya gotta do. I'm currently driving a machine such as this myself. I prefer to describe it as reliable and dependable. I probably sound like a former Rambler salesman.

 

[spasm3]

Just between me & you....Don't tell nodody....You can buy a strut machine & hang it in your garage.

A Branick 7600 is $1,064 retail

I've thought about buying one, and charging a small feel to swap out struts. Cash only.

 

[ripcord]

Personally, I wouldn't call it a car guy sin. More like a tight wad failure, lol.

 

[zzyzzx]

Having someone else work on your car.... car guy sin or not?​

No!

 

[PandaBear]

Just between me & you....Don't tell nodody....You can buy a strut machine & hang it in your garage.

If I need it, I would rather bring my struts over to your house and let you do it for me for a $200 Costco gift card or whatever store you want.

Seriously though, how often do you guys change that and even if you pay someone to compress it, it is like what? $150 each? Garage space is expensive real estate to use once every 8 years per car.

 

[The Critic]

Garage space is expensive real estate to use once every 8 years per car.

You can make the same argument about any other shop/home equipment -- patio furniture, holiday decorations, bbq's, etc.