Hydraulic Shock Absorber Removal Tool, Suspension Strut Spreader Tool Universal Car Strut Shock Absorber Sheephorn Separator Tool 5.0 – 11.5 mm, Black

Fitting some shocks on a vw, if you've done them without the proper tools you know how much of a PITA it is to get the strut out, this makes it 100 times easier, a must for your toolbox!

Great, does the job great. Only slight gripe is that a slightly greater spread would have been better

No hammering to release strut from knuckle

Used this to remove the hub or knuckle joint to replace the shock absorbers on a Peugeot 107. It did a decent job for removing it from the old shock absorber (quick and easy compared to wedging a chisel in, which didn't work). The hub slid off once it was tightened enough, opening up the joint. However the spreader tool snapped when I tried to get the joint wide enough to fit the new shock absorber. This could have been because it was at its maximum range. One of the biggest challenges opening up the joint is tightening the bolt with the ratchet, as the high torque from the rotation causes the spreader to twist out of the gap. There is a slot on the side, so you can pull (hold it) back with a spanner, and use a hammer on the body to get it back again in if it starts to come out. (This tightening of the ratchet and pulling back with a spanner requires a lot of upper body strength). There doesn't seem a good alternative to this type of strut spreader. I have ordered another make to try again with installation. I might have to find some thin sheets of metal to wedge in the gap either side of the new spreader to expand the maximum spread distance. Unfortunately I haven't found any well known makes for this tool, which can guarantee build quality and specify metal strength. Wish there was one designed with a much wider spread distance.

Made removing the strut from hub assembly so mush easier, ideal tool for professional garage or home mechanic, great addition to my tool box

Well i have been in the motor trade over 45yrs and still at it saw this tool and thought got to be worth a go !! Great kit worked really well

Bought it to replace the front struts and springs on a 2008 VW Golf Plus. So far I've done one side and it's just worked; you place it into the slot at the back of the strut retaining collar, and use a 17mm socket or spanner to tighten it and spread the collar open. There are flats in the body so that you can hold it in place with another spanner if necessary, but I didn't need to do that.

Useful Tool