Need help with strut spring compression?

[Gene in NC]

What is the trick to strut spring compression? Have done 2002 struts, but haven't a clue on this job. Couldn't get spring compressed enough to disassemble the strut. Used tool like this link.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3980

Also tried doubling up by adding the el simplo compressors from A Zone. No help?

[Tiger]

Be very careful with this... be sure to use the safety u-bolts. What care are you doing?

[gmannino]

I used the same tools on my e34 without any problems, just gotta compress the spring as much as it will allow.

[Dave M]

Strange. Sounds like something may be buggered as the e34 is no different than other jobs I done. Is the strut somehow 'stuck', not fully extended and compressing the spring a bit? Maybe measure it against the other. Have you got the compressor hooked around spring coils as close to the top and bottom as possible? Hmmmf.

An aside. $12.99 for a set of spring compressors??? $hit, I'm tempted to get them shipped to the border. I can't rent a set for a day for that price. Anyone know whether these things are worth the $13?

Hope you sort this out,

Dave M

[BMWCCA1]

Is this on your E34 or your E28? As said, you have to grab as many coils as possible within the span of your tools. I use this kind of spring compressor on the fronts with no problems even with Dinan springs (on my E28).
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c378/BMWCCA1/P5199031.jpg

This set was less than $30 also from Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43753

[Ross]

I've had success with this tool but not without a struggle.
Placement of the clamps is critical. Grab as many coils as you possibly can, you will need to force the clamps into the closer coils, then compress them until they touch, you'll barely be able to get the nut on when reassembling.
These tools scare the **** out of me. don't even think of not using those pesky little safety clamps.

[Gene in NC]

e34. Local machine shop swapped out the shocks and removed two broken bolts for $40. Bolts were strut to steering plate of course.

[dauchande]

Is this on your E34 or your E28? As said, you have to grab as many coils as possible within the span of your tools. I use this kind of spring compressor on the fronts with no problems even with Dinan springs (on my E28).
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c378/BMWCCA1/P5199031.jpg

This set was less than $30 also from Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43753

Do these work on the rears as well? Any issues with Eibach springs?

[yaofeng]

What is the trick to strut spring compression? Have done 2002 struts, but haven't a clue on this job. Couldn't get spring compressed enough to disassemble the strut. Used tool like this link.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3980

Also tried doubling up by adding the el simplo compressors from A Zone. No help?

The free loaner from Autozone alone is sufficient for the job.

[vping]

That larger tool From harbor freight looks pretty hefty and a bit safer and it's only $34 bucks. Yeah spending $9.99 is better but I'd feel more comfortable using the larger of the two. This is next on my list of things to do and I'll probably invest in this.

Can't you just tilt the strut out and disconnect it from the knuckle in lieu of disconnect the brake lines. Then you can at least work on it off of the floor and on a bench. It has one large bolt that holds it to the knuckle right?