I could not agree more with Alan as I too have known mechanics who have
nearly lost life and limb trying to compres and uncompres coil springs.
I have been told that Peugeot (and in general, French) springs are
longer and stiffer than springs from comparable non-French autos
because, apparently the French achieve their famous ride and handling by
using stiff springs and relatively soft shocks -- i believe the Germans
use the opposite method. this makes peugeot springs even more hazardous
to work with.
My method is to remove the struts and then take it to local Peugeot shop
to remove the spring, fill the shock oil (they have the exact
measurement) and reassemble the strut. saves me labor time and I don't
have to leave the car there overnight and find a cab home.
Unless you have a fixed pneumatic spring compressor think twice before
you attempt peugeot spring compresion at home.
Anup Pahari
manassas, VA