Anyone have any tips for replacing front struts on an '03 S80. I have all the parts including the obligitory free spring compresser from Autozone but after removing the old strut, I cannot get the new one in due to lack of space for the spring compresser. I tried inside the spring, outside of the spring, neither worked. I'm going to compress the spring outside the car and secure it with ratchet straps, install the strut and then release the spring (kinda scary) unless someone has a better idea. Thanks

 

Maybe I'm not following you but you should assemble the spring, strut and mount together outside the car using your spring compressor and then install it as one unit. Is that what you are trying to do?

Springs are very dangerous and if you can't get it compressed and released safely, take the springs, struts and mounts to a tire shop and let them assemble it. Most will do it for a few bucks...

 

agreed, assemble outside of vehicle and don't use straps.

 

Thanks you guys. I don't know where my head was but after your post I had one installed in about 30 minutes, with new brakes. The longest wait was for my small compressor to fill for the impact wrench. Was going to do the other but the power level **** on my impact wrench blew out while I was compressing springs and almost hit me in the nuts. That's enough for today. Thanks Again

 

Cool, good job!