what spring compressors are you guys using on your P80s

yanga001 · Post by **yanga001** » 28 Dec 2024, 11:59

Hey Guys,

Been looking into the world of suspension tuneups and would like to add a spring compressor to my collection. I would prefer to not use the stick based ones as they appear to be dangerous. My mechanic uses those and he gets us to clear the shop when he is compressing springs.

I was looking at an OTC 6494 which was used by a youtube mechanic i trust (idocars) and seems to be a medium between wall mount and standard compressors. It is about 512-600 cad up here which hurts, but i know that macpherson struts are here to stay, and would probably do the suspension on 3 of my personal cars at some point. It would also enable me to select better struts instead of the quick struts which are everywhere.

What are your guys opinion on this?

xanthefin · Post by **xanthefin** » 28 Dec 2024, 12:21

I been looking to get these if i change springs again.
Only thing i wish from next time on mine is to have locking pins (like in picture) as when i did change front springs.. the newish XC90 springs i put in mine were so stiff for one set of compressor i put two stick spring compressors (one were slims and other were more bulky ones). Not hurry is best tip for these. Its scary but when you dont feel anything is when accidents happens with these and just try to do it then it slips and spring gonna spring.

: mcpoifhsdg.jpg (31.97 KiB) Viewed 555 times

Post by **abscate** » 28 Dec 2024, 12:26

I think those ABNs in the orange box with the safeties are the way to go.
Wear heavy leather gloves and compress slowly , an inch on each side at a time. I chain them to the bench so they can’t fly off

https://www.amazon.com/ABN-11-5-Strut-S ... YXRm&psc=1

Post by **BlackBart** » 28 Dec 2024, 12:58

xanthefin wrote: ↑28 Dec 2024, 12:21 ….spring gonna spring.

That's the type I have. I like them, they’ve been reliable.

Post by **Chuck W** » 28 Dec 2024, 13:30

I have the same ones. Compress evenly and they work like a charm.

Post by **xHeart** » 28 Dec 2024, 19:00

Some say this is better...

Post by **scot850** » 29 Dec 2024, 00:08

I like both those styles, but could not for the life of me find the safety version with the pins when I needed a set. So now have 2 sets of the not too inspiring versions with the hooks. I use both sets together to try to get the spring to compress evenly.

My buddy has a compressor like the last version. Again looked at it but all the ones I could find were for springs smaller than my Volvo ones. My buddy got his off Amazon and after some 'fettling' they actually fitted together and worked well.

Neil.

Post by **Sveedy** » 29 Dec 2024, 09:14

I have an older version of the ABN type. I've used them a few times with no issues. The only thing I did was changed the washer under the nut to a bronze one. Thought it might rotate more smoothly. Totally unnecessary but what the hell....

yanga001 · Post by **yanga001** » 30 Dec 2024, 09:04

I think the consensus is care with the single stick compressors. While working more with things that arc and spark, I think I have the capability to use the sticks safely.

Given the heavy forum presence I believe proper precautions are enough to use these.

Thanks everyone!

MarinerMan · Post by **MarinerMan** » 04 Jun 2025, 14:03

I know this is about six months after you asked the question, but it popped up on the front page and I wanted to add my own option. I rented the Powerbuilt spring compressor from an Autozone, and decided it was worth the price of admission, so to speak. It is two interlocking brackets that have cables to lock the sping into place. There is a nice lip on them to prevent sliding. a wrench opens and closes the unit fairly quickly. Been happy as a clam with this device.https://www.powerbuilt.com/products/str ... eq=uniform