As we have just added a 4th Volvo to the driveway: '88 240, '88 245, '89 240, and '92 965(my wife likes them as much as I do). I am looking at three of them that need the strut inserts replaced. I am now in the market for a spring compressor. I hope someone can recommend a top-quality unit, I don't mind spending some money here as a compressed spring is nothing to play with and I don't want to take chances. Thanks in advance for you suggestions.

John

Thanks to everyone, looks like I will go with K-D or Craftsman as both are available at local stores, after looking at each it seems like a flip of the coin to decide. Either way I will be busy for the next few weekends, I figure one car each weekend.

John

the second strut on the first car should take half the time. be careful. i tighten each side of the spring 1/2 inch at a time. my friend told me he seen one let go. good luck

Gee, after reading this thread, I'm almost too embarrassed to admit that I paid $12.50 for a set at Harbor Freight. They have cheezy little U-bolts for security, but they have worked fine the couple of times I needed them.

I bought that one too, warily, as it was on sale for 9.99. I was looking for something to replace my 30 year old JCWhipme set you see here, slathered with copper anti-seize and still looking more substantial than the new HF set, which remains in its box. Have you ever had a vise fail, or perhaps one of those wind-up Volvo tire changer jacks? It is sudden for sure, but if one of these fails, having three on a spring, tightened in balance, seems to provide some safety. I'd like to hear any tales of misuse.

i looked at that tool you speak of, but i was leary about the construction.

Sears. $40. Nice. They look like they're the same ones IPD sells. Check them out.
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Thanks everyone for all the information and advice, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, stock, B21F (non-Turbo), M46; 86 244, B230, 140k , auto.

Sears sells a Craftsman that is very heavy duty and made for long term use for a very reasonable price. The claws are forged steel vs aluminium on some of the cheaper ones. I believe its also spec'd for using with an impact wrench. Is also made in the US if anyone still carries about that.

I'm VERY happy with my results in using my spring compressors. They're by K-D Tools, two long screws with a double hook on each end.

I think I paid $70 for them from a local auto parts store- real professionals like CarQuest, not the Autozone clowns.

One thing to note with any "normal" spring compressors- you can't fit them to 240 springs until the strut is dropped down out of the tower. I imagine this applies to most any Macpherson strut car. They all have tight space around the strut towers.

Always always always oil the studs while using them! You do not want a thread to gall with all that tension on it. Springs are powerful and can badly hurt or kill you if they slip! I had no such problems with mine. They seemed very sturdy and stable.

Good luck with it!
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: Roterande Fläkt Och Drivremmar!

Thanks Rob for the advice on oiling the rods, would a slight coating of anti-sieze work as well?

Thanks John

i use regular 10w-30 motor oil.

I've used the loaner compressors from AutoZone several times, with good results. The new type with the snap locks are more secure than the old style with the u-bolt locks.

I played around with the threaded rod type "widowmakers' for years before I spotted the Snap-On model at my mechanic. It's basically a big "V" with a single threaded rod that pulls the arms together. It's pricey (over $200) but is worth its weight in gold. We have a half dozen Volvos in the family so it gets plenty of use.

Skip
'93 850GLT
'83 242TI Flathood

The style you have is designed for conventional coil springs. If you go to the SnapOn catalog, what you called a widowmaker is the style of compressor designed for McPherson struts. Not unsafe if used properly.

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alex

IPD sells a spring compressor. I think it's around $60