BILSTEIN, FORMULA, MCA, MSA Strut Tools

Strut tools are specialised suspension tools for assembling, installing and adjusting strut assemblies. The right strut tool lets you tighten strut nuts, hold components in place and make adjustments accurately, without damaging the strut or relying on improvised tools.

What Are Strut Tools?

A strut combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single assembly that supports the vehicle and controls suspension movement. Working on a strut usually means removing or tightening the strut nut at the top of the assembly, holding the shock absorber shaft so it doesn't spin, and sometimes adjusting the spring seat height.

General-purpose spanners and sockets often can't reach these fasteners properly, or can't hold the shaft while the nut is turned. Strut tools are designed for these specific jobs.

Types of Strut Tools

Strut Spanners and Sockets

Strut spanners and strut sockets are designed to reach the strut nut while allowing you to hold the shock absorber shaft at the same time. This prevents the shaft from spinning and helps avoid damage to the shaft and its threads.

Adjustment Tools for Height-Adjustable Struts and Coilovers

Height-adjustable struts and coilovers often use threaded collars to set spring seat height and preload. A purpose-made spanner, sometimes called a coilover spanner, engages these collars securely so you can make adjustments without slipping or marking the components.

Spring Compressors

A strut spring compressor holds a coil spring under compression so the spring can be separated from the strut. Because a compressed spring stores a large amount of energy, spring compressors must be used with great care.

Why Use a Dedicated Strut Tool

Using the wrong tool on a strut can damage components and create safety risks. A dedicated strut tool helps you:

• Tighten or loosen strut nuts without spinning the shock absorber shaft
• Avoid rounding fasteners or marking shafts and collars
• Make accurate adjustments to height-adjustable struts and coilovers
• Work more efficiently, with less time fighting stubborn components

Working Safely on Strut Assemblies

Strut work involves heavy components and, when springs are compressed, significant stored energy. Keep these general safety points in mind:

• Follow the instructions supplied by the tool and strut manufacturers.
• Never loosen the strut nut on an assembled strut unless the spring is properly compressed or the assembly is designed to be worked on that way.
• Compress springs evenly a little at a time when using a spring compressor, and use hand tools rather than impact wrenches.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves, and keep your body out of the path of the spring.
• If in doubt, leave it to a professional. A qualified suspension technician has the equipment and experience to do the job safely.

Complete Strut Assemblies vs Rebuilding Your Struts

Rebuilding a strut means separating the spring from the shock absorber, which requires a spring compressor and careful handling. Complete strut assemblies are supplied with the spring and top mount already fitted, so they can be installed without compressing springs. Even with complete assemblies, strut tools are still useful for installation and adjustment.

Choosing the Right Strut Tool

Before you buy, consider:

• The job: whether you're installing complete strut assemblies, rebuilding struts or adjusting spring seat height
• Compatibility: some strut tools are designed for specific strut assemblies, so check that the tool suits your struts
• Access: how much room you'll have to reach the strut nut with the strut on or off the vehicle
• Build quality: a tool that will hold up to regular workshop or garage use

Full features, compatibility and specifications are listed on each product page.

After Strut Work: Get a Wheel Alignment

Replacing or adjusting struts can change your suspension geometry. Book a wheel alignment after strut work to keep your vehicle tracking straight and your tyres wearing evenly.

Buy Strut Tools Online from Fulcrum

You can shop the Fulcrum Strut Tools online and compare options to find the right one for your vehicle and workshop.

More workshop gear sits in our automotive tools range, including bush and bearing press tool kits for pressing bushes in and out of arms.

If you're unsure which tool suits your needs, Fulcrum's suspension specialists can help you choose. Prefer to leave the job to the professionals? Book a suspension service with Fulcrum and have your struts fitted by a qualified technician.