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the first pic is what some in the industry call widow makersDon't use these types.
View attachment 619930
Use these style strut spring compressor tools.
View attachment 619931
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the first pic is what some in the industry call widow makersDon't use these types.
View attachment 619930
Use these style strut spring compressor tools.
View attachment 619931
I'm cheap
The problem is basically; who makes the OEM parts for Kia?I've learned over the years that OEM parts are the way to go. Some aftermarket parts are superb in quality but the characteristic and how they perform are completely different. Regarding suspension I tend to go with OEM because I've grown accustomed to how it rides. With aftermarket it will either be to soft or too stiff and if it's not what you're used to you'll end up spending more money in the end. It's cheap for a reason and if you don't care than by all means buy the cheapest.
if you can, wait for the whole assembly. I swear I'll never do a shock only replacement. I'll pay the extra. FFS that's a LOT of potential energy by my face. I always keep my mouth closed and avoid grunting but if that spring compressor slips, my lips won't keep my teeth in my mouth.But have them separately in stock it seems.
Sage advice, and widow-makers - yes. I still have my original pair from 30 years ago when I had no money for repairs.Don't use these types.
Use these style strut spring compressor tools.
Agreed, just noting that on most RWD vehicles that employ double A-arm/wishbone suspensions, they have a coil spring to frame mount plus shock absorber somewhere in the area. Perhaps its given that it also is where the front driveshaft halves goes that Kia went for a mcpherson strut with a forked end to clear the driveshafts.Upper and lower control arm is much better than a single control arm with only a strut holding the knuckle.