STRUT SPRING
COMPRESSOR
43753
SET UP ANd OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
This automotive tool is ideal for tire, body, and specialty shops
and garages, dealerships, and service stations!
distributed exclusively by Harbor Freight Tools®.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAl.
Copyright© 2000 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual or any
artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written
consent of Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally.
Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described
herein. Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Cover revised 08l
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10. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, use common sense. Do not operate any
tool when you are tired.
11. Check for damaged parts. Before using any tool, any part that appears dam-
aged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and per-
form its intended function. Check for alignment and binding of moving parts; any
broken parts or mounting fixtures; and any other condition that may affect proper
operation. Any part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by
a qualified technician. Do not use the tool if any switch does not turn On and Off
properly.
12. Replacement parts and accessories. When servicing, use only identical
replacement parts. Use of any other parts will void the warranty. Only use acces-
sories intended for use with this tool. Approved accessories are available from
Harbor Freight Tools.
13. Do not operate tool if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Read warning
labels on prescriptions to determine if your judgment or reflexes are impaired while
taking drugs. If there is any doubt, do not operate the tool.
14. Maintenance. For your safety, maintenance should be performed regularly by a
qualified technician.
15. Capacity. Never exceed the recommended capacity (springs up to 7” in diameter).
Only use this tool with MacPherson Struts. Never use with high pitched struts.
16. Use with hand tools. Never use any air, electric, or impact tools with this tool.
Only operate this tool with a 3/4” socket and ratchet, 3/4” combination wrench, or
other applicable hand tools. Power, air, or electric tools may compress the spring,
leading to injury.
17. Spring Coils. If spring coils do not compress evenly, discontinue the operation.
Loosen the adjusting screw, reposition the strut spring, and retry.
18. Adjustment Screw (6). Before initial use, apply grease adjustment screw. Also,
apply grease periodically during use.
19. Be careful when spring is compressed. Do not drop or jar spring. Doing so
might result in personal injury or damage.
20. Reaching Torque. When reaching the maximum torque (15 ft-lb) by tightening the
adjustment screw, discontinue, and loosen the screw. Reposition and retry.
21. Always use vehicle support stands.
22. Have qualified service technician inspect this tool annually.
23. The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual can-
not cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be under-
stood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be
built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
SKU 43753
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 3
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Unpacking
When unpacking, check to make sure all of the parts listed on the parts list on
page 7 are included. If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight
Tools at the number on the cover of this manual.
Assembly
The only assembly required is the addition of the Adjustment Screw (#6) and
Safety Ring (#20).
1. Insert the Adjustment Screw (6) with the Hex Nut up, through the hole in the
center of the Plain Axle (13).
2. Add (by sliding on) the Safety Ring (20) to the Adjustment Screw (6) before
continuing through the center hole on the Threaded Axle (10).
3. Secure Adjustment Screw (6) with two Nuts (15).
Operation
Warning: MacPherson struts must be removed from the vehicle before attempt-
ing repairs. Make sure to put the struts in a MacPherson Strut Vise prior to
using the Strut Spring Compressor.
Warning: Only use hand tools with the Strut Spring Compressor. Never use
any air, electric, or impact tools with this tool. Only operate this tool with a
3/4”socket and ratchet, 3/4” combination wrench, or other applicable hand
tool. Power, air, or electric tools may compress the spring, leading to injury.
Note: The Strut Spring Compressor should be periodically inspected by
a qualified service technician.
Removing a MacPherson Strut from a vehicle.
1. Position the strut into a strut vise.
2. Shut the vise and tighten.
Figure 1
Attaching the Spring Compressor
3. Open the Spring Compressor approximately 8
inches. Do not open more than 8” or a long strut
may slip off of the tool.
8” Max.
4. Make sure the hex nut on top of the Adjustment
Screw (#6) is facing up.
5. Before clamping the spring, slip the Safety Block
(#19) over the Hook (#5) and Hook (#7) as a
safety precaution should the strut break loose.
Center Axis
REV 01e, 08l
SKU 43753
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The Safety Block (#19) will keep the claws from springing open and causing
injury.
6. Position the top hooks over the strut springs and tighten the Adjustment Screw
(#6) so that the lower hooks will fit over the spring. See Figure 2.
7. Make sure the same number of coils are between the hooks on each of the spring.
Make sure the hooks are securely fastened and sit in line with the center axis of
the spring (see Figure1).
8. Turn the Adjustment Screw (#6) by using a wrench on the Hex Nut (see assem-
bly diagram on page 8) clockwise to compress the strut spring. Also hold the
Figure 2
Screw Adjustment Nuts (#15) with another wrench while
adjusting.
9. Remove the strut rod nut, mounting plate, and spring seat.
10. Carefully remove the spring with the strut spring compressor still
attached.
11. Repair or replace the strut (See service manual).
12. Set the spring over the repaired or new strut and re-install the rod
nut, mounting plate, and spring seat.
13. Loosen the strut spring compressor and remove it.
Low Hook
14. Remove the strut from the strut vise.
Note: Remember, if the spring doesn’t compress evenly, loosen and reposi-
tion.
Note: Only compress the spring enough to remove the drive nut.
Warning! Do not allow contact between spring coils.
Warning! Make sure the arms of the Strut Spring Compressor do not contact
each other.
Warning! Do not overtighten.
Replacing a MacPherson Cartridge on a Vehicle
1. Open the Spring Compressor approximately 8 inches. Position it with the Hex
Nut facing down. As discussed on page 5, before clamping the spring, slip the
Safety Block (#19) over the Hook (#5) and Hook (#7) as a safety precaution
should the strut break loose. The Safety Block (#19) will keep the claws from
springing open and causing injury.
2. First, position the top hooks over the strut spring.
3. Use the Adjustment Screw (#6) to tighten the unit so the lower hooks fit over the
spring.
SKU 43753
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4. Make sure the same number of coils are between the hooks on each of the spring.
Make sure the hooks are securely fastened and sit in line with the center axis of
the spring. See Figure1 on Page 5.
5. Turn the Adjustment Screw (#6) by using a wrench on the Hex Nut (see assem-
bly diagram on page 8) clockwise to compress the strut spring. Make sure you also
hold the Adjustment Screw Nuts (#15) with another wrench while adjusting.
6. Repair the cartridge. Release and remove the Strut Spring Compressor.
Note: Only compress the spring enough to remove the drive nut.
Note: Remember, if the spring doesn’t compress evenly, loosen and repo-
sition.
Warning! do not allow contact between spring coils.
Warning! Make sure the arms of the Strut Spring Compressor do not
contact each other.
Warning! do not overtighten.
Maintenance
1. Make sure the Adjustment Screw (#6) threads are properly greased.
2. An annual Strut Spring Compressor inspection is recommended. Only
qualified service technicians should inspect this tool. If the tool is used
extensively, more frequent inspections are recommended.
SKU 43753
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 6
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Parts list
No.
1
Description
Bolt
Qty.
2
2
Nut
2
3
4
5
Track Ring
Small Axle
Hook
2
1
1
6
7
Adjustment Screw
Hook
1
1
8
Axle Pin
6
9
Hook
1
10
11
12
13
15
17
18
19
20
Threaded Axle
Hook
Spring
Plain Axle
Screw Adjusting Nut
Pin
Pull Ring
Safety Block
Safety Ring
1
1
2
1
2
4
4
1
1
PlEASE REAd THE FOllOWING CAREFUllY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS DIAGRAM
IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER
NOR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO
THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PROD-
UCT OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT.
IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THat
ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTI-
FIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES
ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL
PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER
INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.
NOTE: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only and are not
available individually as replacement parts.
REV 01e
SKU 43753
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Assembly diagram
Hex Nut
REV 01e
SKU 43753
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Page 8
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