i read some where that if you take the nut off the strut and then take the 4 bolts off to take the strut out you dont need the strut spring too to get the spring of.anyone tried doing it that way or is this just a crutch fix that doesnt work as easy as it sounds?

 

We always remove the strut assembly first then compress the spring. Your method might work, just be careful that the upper spring seat doesn’t get caught up on the spring or it will separate and you will have little ball bearings all over your garage floor.

Play it safe and rent the proper tool. It will save you the headache of rebuilding the spring seat.

Good Luck

Brian

 

yes... what stillen said..

goto the auto parts store and rent/borrow a spring compressor tools. You can use a ratchet to tighten and loosen the clamps or an air wrench or impact gun.

I wouldnt risk it... It takes 2 minutes with the tool and an impact gun to compress the spring, pull the cap, compress the new one and reassemble the strut.

 

+1 here...have tried both ways and I can tell you a spring compressor tool is SO much easier...