Suspension work - air tools

[JHZR2]

When working on my brake job on my BMW, I tried using some of my electric impact tools on the caliper brackets. Tried my IR impact as well as a small dewalt I had.

Neither fit in a practical way. It wasn't an issue because I was using a breaker bar and it was not an issue to loosen anything. It was just a matter to try it.

So, do pros actually use impact and air tools to remove suspension stuff, like brake brackets to the steering knuckle, and struts to the rest of the steering/suspension?

I know electric tools are bigger, but practically speaking are air tools and specifically impacts ever used in these spots on passenger cars? If so, how? U joints?

 

[Chris142]

Nothing better than a good impact and swivel sockets. My 3\8 gun will do 300ft lbs. Its small enough to fit in lots of places.

 

[yonyon]

I use impact all the time for suspension work, especially for disassembly but also during assembly for some things. The impact guns are used not only on fasteners, but also on tools. I almost never use it for brake work.

Unlike Chris142 (he's probably got better coordination than me) I try to avoid using air tools with swivel sockets mainly because I don't like having to drop everything and chase a socket across the floor in one direction while tracking a nut in another direction before either of them disappear.

 

[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.

 

[UNC017]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
When working on my brake job on my BMW, I tried using some of my electric impact tools on the caliper brackets. Tried my IR impact as well as a small dewalt I had.

Neither fit in a practical way. It wasn't an issue because I was using a breaker bar and it was not an issue to loosen anything. It was just a matter to try it.

So, do pros actually use impact and air tools to remove suspension stuff, like brake brackets to the steering knuckle, and struts to the rest of the steering/suspension?

I know electric tools are bigger, but practically speaking are air tools and specifically impacts ever used in these spots on passenger cars? If so, how? U joints?


I have on my old project cars. I can't imagine doing Mopar threaded-in upper ball joints without impact tools... you'd bend the control arms with the amount of sustained torque it would take to start one loose after 40 years! And I use it on things like the lower control arms on wifey's PT Cruiser. My air impact is awkward, but it is SO worth the hassle of putting together the right extensions/wobble joints. I don't like using universal joints with impacts tools, but they can work if you don't ask TOO much of them.

 

[Trav]

I always use impacts in different sizes and impact ratchet from IR. Don't use a normal U Joint even if its impact rated, you don't need to find out why, it hurts too much.

If you need to use a universal use one of these, they don't allow the joint to get too much of an angle and rip the socket of the bolt and fly around hitting your hand or fingers.

http://www.amazon.com/Williams-4-140B-2-...al+joint+impact

NOT these knuckle breakers.

http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-3-Piece-Univ...al+joint+impact

Impact ratchet.

http://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-Rand-IRT...+impact+ratchet

 

[Zaedock]

Originally Posted By: yonyon
I use impact all the time for suspension work, especially for disassembly but also during assembly for some things. The impact guns are used not only on fasteners, but also on tools. I almost never use it for brake work.

Unlike Chris142 (he's probably got better coordination than me) I try to avoid using air tools with swivel sockets mainly because I don't like having to drop everything and chase a socket across the floor in one direction while tracking a nut in another direction before either of them disappear.


Pretty much a carbon copy of me. I don't use swivels with impacts anymore. I had one explode once (a Snap-On) and a piece hit me in the eye. I was wearing my Mac gOOgles though.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Zaedock
Originally Posted By: yonyon
I use impact all the time for suspension work, especially for disassembly but also during assembly for some things. The impact guns are used not only on fasteners, but also on tools. I almost never use it for brake work.

Unlike Chris142 (he's probably got better coordination than me) I try to avoid using air tools with swivel sockets mainly because I don't like having to drop everything and chase a socket across the floor in one direction while tracking a nut in another direction before either of them disappear.


Pretty much a carbon copy of me. I don't use swivels with impacts anymore. I had one explode once (a Snap-On) and a piece hit me in the eye. I was wearing my Mac gOOgles though.


Is a swivel the same as the Williams Universal joint shown above?

 

[beast3300]

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.


That's what I use at work.

 

[Zaedock]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Is a swivel the same as the Williams Universal joint shown above?


Yep. Guys use 'em all the time. I think I just had some bad luck. Snap-On guy replaced it no problem and I still use it today. Good lord, that was about 20 years ago!

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Trav
I always use impacts in different sizes and impact ratchet from IR. Don't use a normal U Joint even if its impact rated, you don't need to find out why, it hurts too much.

If you need to use a universal use one of these, they don't allow the joint to get too much of an angle and rip the socket of the bolt and fly around hitting your hand or fingers.

http://www.amazon.com/Williams-4-140B-2-...al+joint+impact

NOT these knuckle breakers.

http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-3-Piece-Univ...al+joint+impact

Impact ratchet.

http://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-Rand-IRT...+impact+ratchet



You HAD to mix in another air tool to consider buying, huh??? Really???

What's next, the aircat 3/8"? Would you recommend the IR 2025 or the 2015 which is 3/8" drive but the same torque?

 

[KB2008X]

For me it all depends. I prefer to use hand tools and my own muscle to get things done. It's often quicker and it builds strong bodies 12 ways. Air tools are essential at times, especially when doing exhaust work. An impact set on stun, not kill, will shake fasteners very nicely allowing PBBlaster to work down into the problem areas and knocks off rust in the process.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: Trav
I always use impacts in different sizes and impact ratchet from IR. Don't use a normal U Joint even if its impact rated, you don't need to find out why, it hurts too much.

If you need to use a universal use one of these, they don't allow the joint to get too much of an angle and rip the socket of the bolt and fly around hitting your hand or fingers.

http://www.amazon.com/Williams-4-140B-2-...al+joint+impact

NOT these knuckle breakers.

http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-3-Piece-Univ...al+joint+impact

Impact ratchet.

http://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-Rand-IRT...+impact+ratchet



You HAD to mix in another air tool to consider buying, huh??? Really???

What's next, the aircat 3/8"? Would you recommend the IR 2025 or the 2015 which is 3/8" drive but the same torque?



Sorry about that.

I use it on all kinds of stuff that needs bigger sockets even if its just to run them up. It doesn't have the same power as a regular impact but its still has enough.
!/2 is a more common drive size for impact sockets. You should use impact sockets with this tool so thats what i use

You can break the bolts loose by hand also with this using the hammer as an assist on really tight stuff.
You cant beat air tools for getting stuff apart quickly also you have less broken bolts and studs with an impact.

 

[JHZR2]

Yeah, that's why Im interested in an impact including an impact ratchet. Originally I was thinking of just a 1/2 or 3/8 air impact to go along side my electrics, but the space to do tight stuff just made me wonder. I was thinking of getting a 1/4" air ratchet just for running stuff on and off (can always use an adapted to get larger sockets). I like wrenching with 1/4 drive because everything is smaller and lighter.

But I like the idea of using impacts sometimes/where it makes sense to prevent breaking stuff.

Question is if the investment is really worth it, or if I should just invest in one or two key items... Or go whole hog...

I have a 3/8" drive craftsman impact-rated set that Ive used with my dewalt electric impact (via 1/4 hex to 3/8" drive adapter, so obviously it isnt putting out much torque).

 

[Trav]

You seem to like doing your own work and not afraid to get your hands dirty so i would get the right stuff once and be done with it. Even if you don't buy everything at once start with the 1/2 gun then the 3/8 impact or hammerhead and 1/4 ratchet.

The first time you use these kinds of tools all of a sudden everything is air powered.
I must say for small stuff under the hood and interior i use the tiny Makita 18V 3/8 cordless impact all the time its another tool i cant live without.
Tools are a terrible addiction.

 

[The_Eric]

I would suggest using a 3/8" cordless in place of the 1/4" air ratchet. IMO, they're more versatile. The one that Trav uses is a good one.

 

[JHZR2]

I have the IR cordless impact (but want more power

), and a dewalt impact driver plus a bosch little impact guy. Also have a bosch electric screwdriver that goes right-angle.

The last three are great around the house, and maybe so for car wrenching too. Mainly Im considering space when working; for example the bosch screwdriver when turned to the right angle is pretty big, thus why I figure a 1/4 air ratchet may be better for tight stuff. So if air can give me better access/maneuverability (despite the long hose), then Im all for it. Of course torque is also important... Things to make jobs easier faster.

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?

 

[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.

 

[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???

 

[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.