broken front spring on 2002 Pathfinder

[Buzzman]

I have a broken spring on the driver's side, front.
I searched and it seems it can be replaced on it's own without having to do the struts.
Question is, how do I get it out, and the new one in?
Do I need special tools, like a spring compressor?
Any tips on how to do it would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[MisterH]

Yes, you're going to need a pair of McPherson strut compressors. However, I highly recommend that you replace BOTH front springs to do the job right. By having one side with a 17 year old coil spring and a new one on the other, you'll end up with an imbalanced ride. If the struts are original too, you might want to consider replacing both front struts and springs. It's not much more effort and the parts are not expensive.

First thing to do is download the factory service manual and look at the diagrams to get familiar with the various parts for disassembly. To make it easier, either buy or rent an impact wrench. Old suspension nuts and bolts that haven't been touched since new tend to take a lot of effort to break loose.

[Buzzman]

Oh yes, I'm definitely familiar with old rusty nuts and bolts on this thing.
I was checking out prices for coils today, and most places will only sell them in pairs anyway, so no problem there.
The struts/shocks were replaced a few years ago with KYB's, so they are still good.
I looked at spring compressors as well, and I found out I can borrow a set of them for free for three days from Canadian Tire. Nice.
I also need those rubber sleeves that go around the shock, inside the springs. They are pretty shredded. They're pretty cheap though, it turns out.
I'm still a little nervous about doing it though. I haven't bought the parts yet.

[Blindaviator]

Keep this in mind when using the spring compressors. If they are the standard screw type compressors make sure you adjust them so that you have enough "lead out" threads before compressing the spring. In other words make sure you have enough thread BOTH ways (tightening and loosening) to compress AND release. If you start the compression with very little threads on the loosening side then you won't be able to release the compressed spring far enough to remove the compressor and you will be forced to put the spring back on the strut to readjust the compressor and take it back off again.