Spring Compressor Recommendations

ANUSTART · 01-01-2013, 06:11 PM

I'm putting on an Eibach Pro Kit soon and wondered if anyone had a recommendation for a spring compressor tool. I am leaning toward the Craftsman tool for $55. Anyone use it? Reviews seem good. Thanks in advance!

SD Z4MR · 01-02-2013, 02:34 AM

My past experiences with the screw type spring compressors finally led to the decision to take the strut along with the new springs and shocks to a professional and let them do it. The last time I used a spring compressor, after having used one successfully several times prior, the spring shot all the way across the garage and smashed into the garage door.

It's not worth a potential injury and the cost was minimal.

mgwatson48 · 01-02-2013, 04:00 AM

Spring compressors are completely safe as long as you use a little common sense.. There's no reason why the spring should come out and shoot across your garage.. You only need to compress it enough to get the top nut off, which won't give it even close to enough energy to fly into something.

Shipkiller · 01-02-2013, 07:34 AM

Unless you just want to spend $55.00 or have a lot more suspension work to do, go to Advance and rent one. It cost me less than $3.00 to use theirs. These compressors are a two piece type which compress's the spring in a uniform manner.

Additionally, the one I rented has 'keeper tabs' that prohibit the compressors from coming (flying) off the spring. If you use a tool properly, it is very safe.

.

elwesso · 01-02-2013, 09:16 AM

I tried using one of those spring compressors, and I ended up just paying $20/strut to have a shop install the springs. Then just R/R the struts yourself.

ANUSTART · 01-02-2013, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

Unless you just want to spend $55.00 or have a lot more suspension work to do, go to Advance and rent one. It cost me less than $3.00 to use theirs. These compressors are a two piece type which compress's the spring in a uniform manner.

Additionally, the one I rented has 'keeper tabs' that prohibit the compressors from coming (flying) off the spring. If you use a tool properly, it is very safe.

After writing this last night did some hunting and Pep Boys (and I believe other auto parts shops) will loan the tool for a deposit, recoverable when it's returned. The unit they show online has the safety pins to hold the spring in place. Looks like a winner to me. No need to spend the money on something I'll use very rarely. Will need it one more time when I upgrade the shocks.

Also, did the spring change on a Honda Prelude I had back in 2001 and it went fine. It's time consuming if you're careful, but never had any dangerous situations. Just have to be methodical and patient.

Thanks!

fercho · 01-02-2013, 10:47 AM

if you go to auto zone they loan one for free, they just need your id

ANUSTART · 01-02-2013, 11:44 AM

Was going to check AZ next. There's one very close to the house. Thanks for the tip!

01-01-2013, 06:11 PM	#1
ANUSTART Captain Drives: 2005 BMW Z4 2.5i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Berwyn, IL Posts: 862 iTrader: (0)	Spring Compressor Recommendations I'm putting on an Eibach Pro Kit soon and wondered if anyone had a recommendation for a spring compressor tool. I am leaning toward the Craftsman tool for $55. Anyone use it? Reviews seem good. Thanks in advance! __________________ Mods: APEX EC-7 \| Michelin PSS \| Koni Yellow \| Eibach Pro-Kit Springs \| Rogue RSM \| Z4M Sport Seats \| ZHP Shift Knob \| Mangowalk 2.4" Antenna
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01-02-2013, 02:34 AM	#2
SD Z4MR (formerly SD 335is) Drives: '06 Z4 M Rdstr \| '11 335is E92 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 496 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 335is Coupe [0.00] 2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster [4.50]	My past experiences with the screw type spring compressors finally led to the decision to take the strut along with the new springs and shocks to a professional and let them do it. The last time I used a spring compressor, after having used one successfully several times prior, the spring shot all the way across the garage and smashed into the garage door. It's not worth a potential injury and the cost was minimal. __________________ Mine: 2006 Z4 Roadster \| Interlagos Blue Metallic \| Black Extended Nappa Leather \| Carbon Leather Trim \| Premium \| Navigation \| Heated Seats \| iPod Adapter \| Purchased 7/19/12 Hers: 2011 335is Coupe \| Le Mans Blue Metallic \| Black Dakota Leather \| Dark Glacier Aluminum \| 6MT \| Premium \| Convenience \| Heated Seats \| Navigation \| Harmon Kardon \| iPod/USB \| European Delivery 5/12/11

01-02-2013, 04:00 AM	#3
mgwatson48 Lieutenant Drives: 2008 E86 M Join Date: May 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 416 iTrader: (1)	Spring compressors are completely safe as long as you use a little common sense.. There's no reason why the spring should come out and shoot across your garage.. You only need to compress it enough to get the top nut off, which won't give it even close to enough energy to fly into something. __________________ 2008 Interlagos Blue M Coupe DKF Catless Spipe, X-pipe, Race Mufflers//Michelin PSS 235/265//Apex ARC-8 Satin Black//H&R Springs//40% tint//Blackout Kidney Grilles//CDV delete//ZHP Knob//RE Trans Mounts//RE Clutch Stop//Stubby Antenna//Vanity Plate "ZGERMNZ"

01-02-2013, 10:47 AM	#7
fercho Lieutenant Drives: 2005 z4 2.5 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 437 iTrader: (1)	if you go to auto zone they loan one for free, they just need your id __________________ 2005 z4 2.5i/// Aero front bumper, m rear bumper,08 rear lights, custom quad exhaust, matte black front grill, OEM alarm, llumar security film,m wheels, HID lights, LED interior and trunk light,Ipod integration, stubby antenna,tein s-tech springsx

01-02-2013, 11:44 AM	#8
ANUSTART Captain Drives: 2005 BMW Z4 2.5i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Berwyn, IL Posts: 862 iTrader: (0)	Was going to check AZ next. There's one very close to the house. Thanks for the tip! __________________ Mods: APEX EC-7 \| Michelin PSS \| Koni Yellow \| Eibach Pro-Kit Springs \| Rogue RSM \| Z4M Sport Seats \| ZHP Shift Knob \| Mangowalk 2.4" Antenna

01-02-2013, 07:34 AM	#4
Shipkiller Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2008 Z4MC & 2003 Z4 Roadster Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 1,672 iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW Z4M Coupe [4.13] 2003 BMW Z4 Roadster [5.00]	Unless you just want to spend $55.00 or have a lot more suspension work to do, go to Advance and rent one. It cost me less than $3.00 to use theirs. These compressors are a two piece type which compress's the spring in a uniform manner. Additionally, the one I rented has 'keeper tabs' that prohibit the compressors from coming (flying) off the spring. If you use a tool properly, it is very safe. .

01-02-2013, 09:16 AM	#5
elwesso Second Lieutenant Drives: Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 269 iTrader: (0)	I tried using one of those spring compressors, and I ended up just paying $20/strut to have a shop install the springs. Then just R/R the struts yourself.

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