Suspension work - air tools

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
I wouldn't be without my air impact and other air tools. While I don't have anything old enough to do suspension work on (other than struts or shocks which I've never needed more than a regular ratchet) my air tools have been invaluable for getting into tight areas on tractors and removing fasteners with decades of rust and dirt on them.


Well my old vehicles are nicer than most peoples' new ones, and removal of bolts on them isn't an issue, unless it is something purposely torqued very high, like hubs to rotors...

But your comment in bold hits to the heart of whats going through my mind now since Ill be doing struts.

The car has been Krowned and has good anti-rust protection on the struts.

Perhaps Im overthinking and don't even need to consider air tools for this job.

Just like to plan and prepare... Maybe that's moot for a strut job?

 

[Trav]

You don't "need" air tools thats true. They are huge time savers and can make work much easier thats all.

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: The_Eric
I agree with Chris. I wouldn't be without my impacts. My go to gun is a Snap On MG325 3/8 that's rated for 325lbs. Mean little devil.
thats what i have at work. I also have a mean matco one at home. Its just as mean as the snap on

 

[Silk]

If access is tight I use my 3/8 butterfly or air ratchet - but then you end up with the 3/4, 1/2, 3/8, butterfly and air ratchet all kicking around the floor, uncoupling one to fit another....sometimes it just wastes time and I can't be bothered.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Silk
If access is tight I use my 3/8 butterfly or air ratchet - but then you end up with the 3/4, 1/2, 3/8, butterfly and air ratchet all kicking around the floor, uncoupling one to fit another....sometimes it just wastes time and I can't be bothered.


Other than getting rid of the handle, what does the butterfly do for you? If depth is an issue, it is still just as deep as any normal one, no?

 

[Silk]

No, it's shorter and smaller in every way, the inlet hose swivels and can point in any direction. For use in tight areas - if I can get my hand in there, I can get the butterfly in there too.

 

[cb_13]

I use an impact and swivels on all suspension parts I possibly can. Major time saver. The ball and socket impact swivels are light years ahead of the old universal joint style.

 

[SIXSPEED]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: SIXSPEED
Originally Posted By: JHZR2

Next job is full strut and mount replacement on my 04 saab. Given my tool list, what air device should I buy first? Would I get more use out of an air impact or something right-angled?
The IR cordless should loosen strut bolts quickly. I used my Craftsman C3 1/2" impact to easily remove strut bolts from my Odyssey. An air impact is smaller and easier to maneuver in tight spaces and of course generally offers more torque.


Yeah that is my consideration. Should I invest in some air tools because of the space and maneuverability???
Do you have a good compressor or will you have to buy one too? If you have a compressor then I would get an impact wrench over a ratchet; they are nice to have. But honestly, I prefer the cordless impact and ratchet over air tools for most DIY jobs just to be free of the hose. I only fire up the compressor for if I need to loosen anything the size of an axle nut or bigger.

 

[JHZR2]

I have a good compressor. Not a huge one, but the duty cycle on an impact is short enough that LOTS of what I have read indicate that a smaller compressor can do just fine. I have an auxiliary tax if I need to add it too.

I have the electric stuff, but I feel that its not strong enough and perhaps too large. Thus my interest in air tools... Plus the torque when needed. Since they don't go bad (unlike batteries which have a calendar life) its a long term investment.

It seems like using impact is better for fasteners and success of removing them than sustained torque. OK, thats a strong point. Plus air seems to give more torque. So... then the question is, if for jobs like strut replacement, if they are really needed or way overkill...

 

[SIXSPEED]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
So... then the question is, if for jobs like strut replacement, if they are really needed or way overkill...
Definitely not really needed, a breaker bar will work just fine. But an impact wrench will make things go much quicker.