Spring compressor #*^&!!!!

[NickZag]

I need to pull a front coilover off and I've bought 4 different spring compressors, all of the failboat due to the tight fit. I've seen a bunch of DYI threads, but nobody mentions what compressors they're using. Does anyone have a recommendation? The ones through VW/Audi is $300 and there is no way I'm spending that. Someone mentioned the one from Harbor Freight and it sucks. I can't find a good place to use a ratchet strap either. I'm going crazy

Thanks

[cory_can]

Sorry Nick, I don't have any compressor advice but I'm curious to know what went wrong with the Bilsteins.

[Gmoney]

Have you tried going to advance auto parts or auto zone etc and renting one of their strut spring compressors? They have always worked for me plus you don't have to buy them. Just rent them.

[Haenszel20v]

..... are you trying to compress springs with the struts still on the car?

[wakerider137]

I just put a Stasis coilover kit on over the weekend and it was a spring compressor nightmare until I modded the HF ones and figured it out. On the fronts I used the rented kit from Kragen, all you pay is a deposit. On the rear springs I went to Harbor Freight. They are only $10, so you can just cut them to size with a sawzall or hacksaw and customize the fit. Those are about the only options you have other than the VW/Audi ones.

[ItsDubC]

We rented a spring compressor to do my spring install but realized that it wasn't necessary

A second set of hands seemed to be more useful.

[xstwin]

I provide this with significant warning!!!

worm gear hose clamps. Use at least 3 and ratchet each one no more than a couple turns before moving to the next.

Good luck and wear face protection.

[NickZag]

After a few weeks of the knocking going away, it came back with a vengeance and I couldn't stand it anymore. There are no issues with the Bilsteins, just the idiots who installed them. I had to tighten the top nut which was loose.

I ended up cutting down the Harbor Freight compressor and it worked fine. Wish I would have done that initially, I could have DYI'd everything and saved $$$

[Blake P]

Nothing worse than a chattery suspension. Glad you got it sorted out, Nick.

[mage0608]

I changed my springs without using any spring compressor.....

[Blake P]

I changed my springs without using any spring compressor.....

[NickZag]

I changed my springs without using any spring compressor.....

OMG! Cookie for you!

[Eurosport]

any info on the torque specs needed for the install?
thank you in advance

[NickZag]

I couldn't find any. I tightened everything down very hard with a ratchet and box wrench. I double checked everything when I installed the BBK and everything was tight and snug.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

What exactly do you need spring compressors for? When removing the suspension as a unit its really not necessary. Unless you are changing out a shock where the spring needs to be removed.

Ive known people who have un-done the strut mount bolt with the suspension unloaded and while in the car. Its not the smartest idea but it can definitely get the job done.

Jason

[Speycaster]

I just put a Stasis coilover kit on over the weekend and it was a spring compressor nightmare until I modded the HF ones and figured it out. On the fronts I used the rented kit from Kragen, all you pay is a deposit. On the rear springs I went to Harbor Freight. They are only $10, so you can just cut them to size with a sawzall or hacksaw and customize the fit. Those are about the only options you have other than the VW/Audi ones.

I did the exact same thing. I almost hung myself after 2 hours of trying to fit the Napa spring compressor on the rear springs. Answer...cut the Harbor Freight spring compressor to fit. For $10 it is used as a sacrificial lamb.

Glad you got it worked out.

[MacEwen]

I did the exact same thing. I almost hung myself after 2 hours of trying to fit the Napa spring compressor on the rear springs. Answer...cut the Harbor Freight spring compressor to fit. For $10 it is used as a sacrificial lamb.

Glad you got it worked out.

Can anyone, please, post a pic of the spring compressor they used for the rear? I can cut things, no problem there. I looked at HF, and they don't seem to currently offer anything which would work. I have the single beam strut compressor, for the front, but it's not working a bit for the rear. I also have one with a threaded rod, and hooks on each end. I think I need more of a plate. Only a enough room to grab 2-3 coils before arm and top recess get in the way. Even then, my threaded rod is too thick to get into the hole in the top coil bushing. The VAS 6274/10 is only $1499.00 on ebay!
Thanks in advance!

-Ryan

[old guy]

Here ya go: Clicky click®

[rcprato]

That is a good idea, I lowered the rear subframe and got old springs out and new ones in without compressing the coil spring