Strut spring install without compressors

[chrysler kid]

It's not mentioned on this site, but just to let you know that spring compressors are not needed for removing the spring from the strut on a 2g fwd.

Step 1: lift car using good jack point on chassis. If you chuckle at this because there is no good jack point on a 2g then keep reading below

Step 2 remove tire.

Step 3 remove strut/spring assembly

Step 4 laying the stut on its side loosen the strut top nut until the nut falls out of the strut mount. Typically I put a wrag over the nut just so it doesn't roll away when it comes off

Step 5 install strut top hat back onto chassis.

Step 6 line up strut to slide into the top hat with the spring sitting on the strut

7. Using a floor jack, push upwards on the strut until castle nut is able to be threaded onto the shock.




I've done this on several compact cars and the spring does not shoot off of the strut. If you are paranoid about it place the strut mount bolts against a brick wall or a flat edge of concrete and place your wheel and tire on the other side for the bottom of the strut to rest against

In relative terms, with the spring on the strut and with just my own weight as pressure I could almost thread the strut back onto the strut mount.

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[Dsmkauai]

I've done several in similar ways too. Just have to be carful and know what your doing.

 

[chrysler kid]

Yeah I've been doing it for a while just never on a 2g.

Started on my civic, messed around with the compressors for 30 minutes on one strut because they wouldn't fit on the coils.

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[gst-turbo]

I actually jack up the control arm and then take off the nut on top and let the jack up slowly i do this an all car and never need spring compressor. Also to install same way with a jack

 

[donniekak]

Use a spring compressor. This is a good way to get hurt.

 

[chrysler kid]

Use a spring compressor. This is a good way to get hurt.

Making a generalized statement is a good way to say nothing.

For first timers I always tell them to use compressors, but the more I think about it the more you have to question it. Is a used auto parts store Chinese made spring compressor holding the springs at 5x their normal tension really a safe gamble? I've had compressors slide down from one side of the coil, but I've never had a spring do anything more than wiggle when I take the strut hat off of it by relieving tension

 

[donniekak]

There are general accepted practices to do everything. Doing things in ways that go against standard safety practices is fine if you don't care about your health. Telling others to violate safety standards is not acceptable.

It's all about volume, and probability. You may not get hurt ignoring safety standards from time to time. Doing something regularly, or getting enough people to work in a non safe way, will end poorly.