James,

Yes, a strut coil spring can kill you when it's energy is spontaneously released. So in short, respect it, use the right process/tools, and don't fear it. I made the mistake once of letting a spring that had two compressors on it roll off the bench and hit the floor, the compressors slipped off due to the impact, the spring hit the wall, broke a cinder block, traveled two feet and got stuck half way into the passenger side door. Once again respect, not fear.

I don't care what the manual says about doing a strut swap with the strut assembly still hooked to the car, that's the wrong way to do it... respect.

In short, never undo the center strut nut up top with the assembly still in the car, remove the three bolts up top that hold the strut to the inner body. Now unbolt the caliper from the strut assembly, hang it with a coat hanger so the hose isn't stressed, unclip the brake hoses from the lower strut tube. Now remove the four small bolts that hold the top of the lower ball joint to the strut assembly, pry the A-arm down, and pull out the strut assembly. Note that in this state, the strut assembly is totally safe and contained.

Now take the strut assembly, lay it on the bench and install the two spring compressors, grab as many coils as you can with them. Crank the compressors down a little each side at a time, you don't want the spring to curve side to side too much. Crank them down to the point where there is an inch or two of slop between the ends of the spring and the upper/lower spring seats.

To be safe, have the strut assembly perpendicular to where you are standing (out of the line of fire). Now, undo the center upper strut nut, followed by the upper bearing plate/spring plate. Now pull the lower strut assembly out of the spring. Leave the compressed spring where it is on the bench.

Finally, replace the strut in the lower strut tube. Re-insert the lower strut assembly into the compressed spring on the bench, place the upper plate on the end of the strut rod, and install the center nut. Now its time to evenly loosen the spring compressors while making sure the spring ends line up right against the upper and lower plates.

Note that the only time "respect" is warranted is when the spring is compressed and the center strut nut is off.... That being said, I broke my right pinky finger this evening while replacing a water pump... pneumatic ratchet, counter-hold screw driver slipped... snap!

jorrell
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92 245 250K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!