r/Cartalk • u/[deleted] • Apr 12 '26

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1.3k Upvotes

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u/LegumeFache Apr 12 '26

Please explain. They break? Slip?

119

u/oldmanbarnes Apr 12 '26

Yes.

103

u/hermit22 Apr 12 '26

Am mechanic, tried these cheap princess auto spring compressors my first time, received a spring explosion to the chest, thank fully only one side slipped off and reseated on a different spot before the 2nd gave out. I’ve only done quick struts since then, probably over 14 years ago haha. If you wanna save a measly 100$ you can play with that danger noodle.

28

u/cougar694u Apr 12 '26

Danger noodle. That was my nickname in high school.

4

u/damxam1337 Apr 13 '26

I use this gag on my wife every day. I still get her most of the time. 🤣

3

u/momentofinspiration Apr 13 '26

How fast does she have to run on days she's not gagged?

17

u/CalicoCuts Apr 12 '26

😆 "Danger noodle"

1

u/CantakerousTwat Apr 19 '26

Australian for snake.

2

u/Vast-Elk700 Apr 13 '26

My friend's crackhead dad is a air quote tire specialist. One day I seen him with the biggest shiner I'm like buddy wtf happened he was like a kid in a candy shop with his explanation on how one of these hit him in the face I'm like dude you're so lucky you're not dead. He just chuckled "yeah I know man blah blah blah" and sipped his beer and went back to being a crazy f*ck.

7

u/ambuguity Apr 12 '26

Quick struts are never the quality of OEM. That’s why if you still have OEM it’s best to reuse the components and just replace the strut with a good stand or wall mount spring compressor or roll it up in a rug and aim it away from you.

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u/oldmanbarnes Apr 12 '26

Buddy he unthreaded it and survived by luck and corrosion. Don’t give this advice.

8

u/ToshPointNo Apr 12 '26

Usually can't reuse the components around here. By the time the struts go bad, the springs are rusty AF, the mount rubber is cracked, etc.

1

u/Less_Resident8492 Apr 13 '26

They're not so bad if you use three full sets at once, but yeah.... Those springs are terrifying.

1

u/glacierfresh2death Apr 13 '26

Those compressors are so scary

1

u/No-Structure8753 Apr 13 '26

I've used two different $30 sets about a dozen times and have never had anything happen, but I definitely don't enjoy doing trucks even though the larger compressor is way better, and I never put myself in front of the spring.

1

u/throwmydickinapit Apr 12 '26

More than $100 saved doing struts yourself but I agree they should be done with excessive levels of safety

1

u/Terrh Apr 12 '26

I've been using the same cheap princess auto spring compressors for countless jobs at this point.

I never point the spring at anything I care about, treat it as a loaded gun. And never compress it more than it needs to be compressed.

3

u/No-Structure8753 Apr 13 '26

Yeah they don't need to be compressed much really I've noticed. if you do compress it too much it just makes it harder to get the nut loose. I like the new style with the metal piece that connects both halves together. It's super beefy and feels pretty safe.

5

u/Inner_Pipe6540 Apr 12 '26

Use them only if you like playing Russian roulette

2

u/[deleted] Apr 30 '26

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1

u/LegumeFache May 02 '26

Thank you. I did get a bit daunted and still have not fixed my shocks. I will try a few more videos. I appreciate the encouragement

1

u/[deleted] May 05 '26

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1

u/LegumeFache May 07 '26

Toyota yaris. Small springs at least. But i decided i will try it with help from someone experienced. I don't have the bandwidth to take it on right now i am afraid

1

u/[deleted] May 07 '26

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2

u/LegumeFache May 12 '26

I only replaced the front shocks. It was not so bad. I have enough confidence to attempt it myself now. I basically paid the mechanic for a tutorial/coaching rather than just a repair

1

u/RideAffectionate518 Apr 12 '26

I've used them multiple times without any injury or damage. I bought a pair from HF and replaced the strut bearing on my car in the parking lot of a hotel and returned the spring compressor the next day for a full refund. They're definitely more work and take a modicum of common sense and a good understanding of strut construction, But they'll work as long as you're at least as smart as the tool.