Question: Does the piston rod ever come free when a strut fails? Can I expect the coil spring to be captured if I remove the nuts in in the engine compartment to remove the spindle and strut assembly to repair it? BACKGROUND While overhauling my front brakes I noticed the left side suspension was hanging lower from the chasis. A short drive revealed that the strut failed during the time the vehicle was off the ground. A distinct rattle coming from the left front. Upper half of tire very loose in wheel well. When the car is jacked up again, the strut fully extends and I am not sure if the suspension is hanging on the sway bar or the remains of the strut. Does anyone have any experience with this kind of problem...I am having trouble getting spring compressors into the towers to restrain the spring just in case!