removing springs from struts without a spring compressor

[GTTuner]

In a pinch, I actually reassembled a strut in the car using the weight of the vehicle to compress the spring.

[boxkita]

Macgyver used a paperclip & sticky pad, once.

Chuck Norris just looked at it, and it compressed

[FJuan]

Suzanne Summers could compress those with her thighs, thanks to the thigh master.

[SBT]

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

 

While you're at it, might as well use heavy-duty zip-ties every 120* too. A set on each winding and you should be good.

 

Seriously, though, there is no replacement for proper gear.

[Dangerzone3]

A method I've used at the wreckers to get the spring out when I was in a pinch is by taking it off on the car. By no means is this as safe as using a spring compressor and I do not condone anybody to do likewise.

 

-Loosen the three nuts on the top hat by a few turns each.

 

-take off the fasteners on the bottom of the strut that connects to the hub.

 

- free the strut from the hub.

 

-loosen the shaft nut from the top of the hood while standing completely away from the wheel well.

 

-strut will shoot down onto the hub and axle.

 

-hammer the strut off the hub in a direction away from you or anyone else.

 

Another way I've seen is to jack up from the control arm to compress the spring and then taking off the shaft nut and slowly releasing the jack. However, this method still requires you to take off the fasteners from the hub and strut while the system is still loaded.

 

These methods are simply useful when in a pinch. Spring compressors are still HIGHLY recommended.