Hello and I have a Strut question - United Bimmer Community

**Wailer** · 05-17-2007, 09:54 AM

Great site and glad to be a member. I found the site while searching for info on replacing struts. Found a great series by a member showing how to. I was wondering in anyone has ever used a floor jack to compress the springs while in place instead of a spring compressor once the strut unit is removed? I have a blown front left and the cash just isn't there to put her in the shop right now.

**stevo** · 05-17-2007, 10:42 AM

hello and welcome, when you consider the spring on your strut holds the weight of the front of the car and its engine it would be considered extremely dangerous to use a floor jack to compress the spring. If you cannot afford to put the car in the shop why not hire a spring compressor, there must be plenty tool hire shops in your locality and usually spring compressors are quite cheap to hire.
Or do you anyone who can make you a compressor?

**Dudesky** · 05-17-2007, 10:47 AM

Not sure I understand . . if the strut is removed, the spring cannot still be in place. They both come out as one unit. And the spring does not have to be compressed to remove the whole assembly. Spring compressors don't cost much, you can find them for under $20.

**Wailer** · 05-17-2007, 10:58 AM

Good point, I was looking at it the other night and it just seemed that by loading the spring by jacking the control arm while in place and then slowly releasing presure once un bolted may work, but there is an enormous amount of stored energy in that compressed spring and if it did come apart it could get pretty exciting, fast.

**Dudesky** · 05-17-2007, 11:22 AM

Oh no no no . . if you value your life (or even the poor car), please don't do that

**stevo** · 05-17-2007, 12:06 PM

you got maybe 1.5 tonnes of pressure in that spring , if it was to break loose there could be bits of you breakin loose just trying to get out the way

don't do it..........

**RSF5** · 05-17-2007, 01:57 PM

Yeah, not smart. As my grandpa used to say: "That shit'll kill ya'!"

**anthon** · 05-31-2007, 09:00 PM

If you're not sure of it...you can just take stevo's advice... Safety should be your first priority and when this bmw struts job requires specialized knowledge beyond your abilities, do not attempt it yourself. Seek the assistance of a professional mechanic or installer.

**mullethunter3** · 05-31-2007, 09:26 PM

I'm not sure if I stressed this enough in the DIY I believe you are referring to: Those springs can hurt, maim or if hitting the right place, even kill you. Don't risk your life on $20. Go to a local auto parts store and "rent" a tool there. AutoZone does it for a deposit. It's not that much for insurance that could save your life.

drz · 06-01-2007, 12:40 AM

I see from your profile that you are in the US.

Go to an auto parts store and rent a spring compressor.

Like mullethunter3 said, you can just leave a deposit for it at any AutoZone (or just about any other national chain) and get your money back once you're done.

You will very likely end up seriously injured if you try this without the appropriate tools.

**elsabor67** · 06-01-2007, 01:37 AM

I second the same suggestion. Doing it without the right tools and equipment will seriously injure you or worse. Do it the right way or pay for it to get repaired.

**jdgoff** · 06-03-2007, 07:26 AM

I know the Auto Zone in my town does offer to loan certain tool, including spring compressor. You might try your local store. Be sure to get a checkride (instruction) on use of tool. I can be dangerous if not used properly. I've done it probably a half dozen times, so I broke down an purchased a compresser. If you are close you could borrow mine. I live in the SW corner of Colorado. Good luck.