Spring Compressor

I'm looking to buy a spring compressor so I can replace the shocks on my 99 Civic Si. I looked around and the only place I found to be selling them is Mac Tools and they're going for $600!

Isn't there anywhere I can get them for cheap?

Thanks,
S.

I got mine at Napa for $29

Originally posted by seriburi
I'm looking to buy a spring compressor so I can replace the shocks on my 99 Civic Si. I looked around and the only place I found to be selling them is Mac Tools and they're going for $600!

Isn't there anywhere I can get them for cheap?


Thanks,
S.

Hey sup u don't have to buy one...just go rent one for free? Like autozone! But u have to give them a deposit but u get ur full refund when u return it to them.

you dont even need spring compressors period. just unhook the hat/ cap whatever from the spring/strut assembly and raise the car. presto

Originally posted by 1993HondaCivic
you dont even need spring compressors period. just unhook the hat/ cap whatever from the spring/strut assembly and raise the car. presto

I think its much safer by using the spring compressor:)

Spring compressors are the devil. And they should'nt be more than $50. And if you do get one, make sure it uses bolts to hook to the springs and not little hooks. Those ones can easily slip off the spring and kill you. I've had experience with about 4 different kind of spring compressors and changed suspenions about 10 times. I hate them. Ill post some pics of a "safe" spring compressor when i get home tonight

Originally posted by mellowboy


I think its much safer by using the spring compressor:)

you'd think, but I wouldnt trust any $29 spring compressor, that's for sure. I've done the method 1993hondacivic mentioned like 20 times w/ no problem. there's no possible way for anything to go wrong. I'd say its way safer than using a cheap spring compressor, especially if you dont know how to really use it properly :(

I found a coil spring compressor on napaonline.com going for $83. Is that "safe"? I've never used one before but from what I've read, it doesn't sound too difficult. (I've attached a pic of it).

If not, it might be better if I borrowed one from Autozone and asked them how to use it properly.

Originally posted by seriburi
I found a coil spring compressor on napaonline.com going for $83. Is that "safe"? I've never used one before but from what I've read, it doesn't sound too difficult. (I've attached a pic of it).

If not, it might be better if I borrowed one from Autozone and asked them how to use it properly.

Yeah thats what autozone have. Thats the one i used without any problems! You can rent one for like 40 buck? They'll give ur money back when u return it:)

Originally posted by marked001


you'd think, but I wouldnt trust any $29 spring compressor, that's for sure. I've done the method 1993hondacivic mentioned like 20 times w/ no problem. there's no possible way for anything to go wrong. I'd say its way safer than using a cheap spring compressor, especially if you dont know how to really use it properly :(

hey man, i'm about to get springs and i wanted to put them on myself... but it'll be the first time that i've ever tried... i'd rather try what you and 1993hondacivic are talking about... can you help?

the spring compressor I have works just fine....I only use it to put stock springs back on the factory struts. I don't use it for coilovers or aftermarket springs or for taking them off. I just let the strut shoot off, it only goes about 2 feet:D

:(that's not very reassuring:jump:

I'm planning on putting aftermarket springs on mine later (don't ask me why i'm not doing it together with the shocks), so my question is.. don't you also have to use a spring compressor to take aftermarket shocks out/in?

not necessarily....like we said before...take the 'main' nut off the center of the assembly while the car is on the ground....jack the car up and the tension is slowly taken off of the spring.... disassemble....

reassemble...leave the main nut off again and put the strut back in....use a jack under the control arm jack align the top of the strut w/ the hole in the shock tower...get it up enough to get the nut on securely....you can do it by lowering the car, but its not that safe havin your hands down there trying to align the top of the strut w/ the hole... good luck.

That spring compressor requires is to be put in the center of the spring. Not to useful when there is a big shock right in the middle in the way

Originally posted by 1993HondaCivic
you dont even need spring compressors period. just unhook the hat/ cap whatever from the spring/strut assembly and raise the car. presto

I agree.. this is the best way.. Ive heard to many stories about spring compressors

Hey, I've done my first mechanical mod to my car!
Yes, using the spring compressor was a real pain in the butt.
Maybe I'll try the other method next time.

I do have some questions though.. I screwed up and put the
bump stop upside down on my right front shock.. is that going to be
a major problem if I don't return it back to normal soon? Or should I
even bother?

Also, after I put my KYB AGX's in, the threads on the top of of
the shocks (viewable from under the hood) were not the same
height. Should I be worrying?

Note, I only did my front shocks as it got too late to start
my rear shocks.

Thanks,
S.