Has anyone of you actually use this particular model to replace your strut ? I've heard some of the spring compressor do not have the enough clearance for the GS spring to completely sit in therefore the locking pins can not used. Now, I'm asking for anyone who have used this model on your GS not on other cars since every car has different spring rates/thickness etc....

Thanks

 

I guess not lol ….

 

I've used it but not on your particular car so can't help you there. In general that style is cheap and dangerous either buy a real spring compressor (the hydraulic press style) or take the parts to a shop.

 

I've used that same style of compressor, but I couldn't tell you if it was the exact same make and model. Visually, it's identical, and I assume there isn't that much variance in how they're constructed.
I do know that I did manage to replace the springs on my GS, but I can't tell you with 100% certainty that I did it safely with the retaining pins. I think I did, but I do especially recall that I had to carefully choose between which coils to place the jaws in order to still be able to operate the compressor.

 

I have a set like that. They are decent for the money, but too bulky when I really need them for an in the car job. If you remove the strut entirely you should have no issue. Just the normal hassle they always are.

 

I replaced all 4 on my GS with that tool. I'm crazy and would never do it again. I've done it on other cars too. Remember to pull up on the strut shafts, there is a "rollover" spring that makes life difficult to get the shaft into the strut mount.

Do not overtighten. Just enough to get the nut out, maybe a bit more. People torque them down too much then they snap.

 

These are widely referred to as "Widow Makers" by technicians. Very few things in the automotive field are more dangerous than using these tools.

Will