How to Compress Coil Springs
The coil springs in a vehicle's suspension are often under great tension. Before you can safely install or remove them, the springs must be compressed in such a way that they will not suddenly uncoil and release their stored energy. This is best accomplished with a specialized spring compression tool, available for purchase or rent from most auto parts stores, which looks a bit like two extra-large adjustable wrenches.
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Instructions
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Turn the bolt-screw at the top of the spring compression tool until the lips of each device are wide enough apart to grasp the coils of the spring.
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Install each part of the two-part spring compression tool on opposite sides of the spring so that, when tightened, they will evenly compress the spring from both sides.
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Tighten the spring compression tools, by turning the bolt-screw at their top, until they exert even tension on the spring. Make sure the tools' lips securely grasp the coils of the spring and that they both exert a similar amount of tension.
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Use your ratchet and socket set to loosen any bolts holding the springs in place; you may need to support the axle of the vehicle as you do this.
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Verify that the spring compression tools are still exerting even pressure on the springs. Tighten them further, a few turns of the bolt-screw at a time on alternating sides so that the pressure stays even, until the spring is sufficiently compressed to remove it from the vehicle.
Compressing a coil spring for installation
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Install the spring compression tools on opposite side of the same spring. The lips of the tools should seat firmly around the opposite sides of the same spring coils, so that when compressed the spring will be straight, not crooked.
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Turn the bolt-screw on top of each of the compression tools so that the spring is compressed. Make a few turns on one tool, then the other, monitoring the pressure on the spring as you go to make sure it compresses evenly.
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Continue checking to make sure the spring tools maintain a strong, even grip on the coils of the spring.
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Install the compressed coil spring in the vehicle. Make sure it's properly attached--consult your vehicle's maintenance or repair manual for details--before loosening the compression on the springs.
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Release tension on the compression tools by turning the bolt-screw on first one, then the other tool, a few rotations at a time. Make sure the spring continues to seat properly as it expands and that the tension is released slowly and evenly.
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Remove the spring compressions tools from the spring only once tension has been completely released.
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Tips & Warnings
Turn the bolt-screw on the spring compression tool to the right to tighten the tools; turn it to the left to release tension.
Automotive springs store an enormous amount of injury. If one slips out of the compressor tool, or is detached without first being compressed, it could cause serious injury or even death.
