Removing front dampers without compressors

[Ex-User (19928)]

Im doing my suspension overhaul today but can't fit the spring compressors I have onto the front springs. I've read a lot of people have done it without them but they are still tight. Is it a case of supporting the wishbone, removing the top nut, and gently relieve pressure from the wishbone to get them off?

 

[marksman]

i changed my damper a few weeks ago . all i did was remove the whole unit from car and just remove the caps from top of damper . they aren't compressed that much anyway and i didnt need to fit any spring clamps .

 

[Dicky Belly]

You don't need compressors to get anything out, the whole unit comes out piece of piss. Big lever bar/scaffold etc and just pressure the wishbone downwards.

In an ideal world you'll need them to take the top hats off the struts. I've only ever done 172/182's and I've never needed spring compressors when removing the springs from the struts but I don't want to give that advice on a non sport incase you smash all your teeth out.

 

[Ex-User (19928)]

LOL thanks for the concern! It's a 172 though, offside has been easy so far, near side lower strut bolt is being painful though. Hoping once the nut is a couple of threads off the bolt things will get easier.. Wish I had some spares I'd just grind it off!