Front Struts

[blk92z34getrag]

How hard is it to replace the front struts? I don't have any of the J-tools the service manual mentions. I know some of you have intalled lowering springs, taken out the hub assemblies, etc. Both the front struts are gone and one of the strut mounts is fuct and I need to get these fixed ASAP.

Thanks.

[dykz34]

You can rent the tools from Checker for $9/day. That's what I did.

[95BlackRoseZ26]

You should be able to get a W body service kit from autozone for free. All you have to do is pay for it, use it, then take it back when you're done and they'll refund your money. Shouldn't be too much of a deposit either, I've borrowed a few different things from them recently and the most expensive of all of them was only $25.

[Lyle's GTP]

Strut or cartridge?

Lyle

[blk92z34getrag]

Cartridge. I need to replace both cartridges and the strut mount... I think that's what they said... it's a rubber bushing that holds the strut.

[Lyle's GTP]

Hmmmm. The cartridge is easy but you need a special tool though. I made my own without to much trouble. Providing you have a welder. But maybe you can borrow the tool. There is a rubber bushing on top of the cartridge that is easy to remove, actually you have to remove it to pull you cartridges.

Lyle

[blk92z34getrag]

WHat special tools do you actually need besides the strut compressor? I know I can rent that from Autozone. The service manual shows a lot of different J tools. Which ones do I actually need and which ones can I just substitute like a hammer and a crowbar for (I keed, I keed)?

[blk92z34getrag]

For some reason this doesn't make sense to me... though I've never done struts before.

In the manual it says:

Do not service the strut cartridge unless the weight of the vehicle is on the suspension. The weight of the vehicle keeps the coil spring compressed, otherwise the released coil spring could cause personal injury

Actually it sort of makes sense... basically for just what I want to do, I need to NOT lift it (i.e. keep it on the ground)? I'm not removing the springs, or the housing, just the cartridge.

[95BlackRoseZ26]

This is what I was referring to and I'd assume it's what you need, from what I've read here. "Set removes and installs gas-charged and oil-illed strut cartridges through the strut tower while it's still installed on vehicle."

http://www1.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/in_our_stores/loan_a_tool/steering_suspension/strut_service_kit.jsp

Pat

[blk92z34getrag]

Yeah actually I just got off the phone with Autozone like an hour ago and they suggested that as well. Thanks though, I wouldn't have called if you hadn't suggested... Well I would've figured it out eventually.

[blk92z34getrag]

Well I just finished replacing the strut cartridges... and I can whole-heartedly say that as far as performance goes, I recommend the KYB GR2 Gas struts. But they were a BITCH to get in. They have an allen in the top versus the OEM Torx... so I ended up breaking an allen head socket and had to drill it out. Piece of shit broke right inside the hole... But other than that they ride great, and it was worth the pain.

If I had to do it again I would only torque the strut mount bolts to about 65 - 70 ft./lbs because I broke the socket trying to go al the way up to 72... and my other allen socket had twisted a little when I got to 68 ft./lbs.

[Apeiron]

If anyone prefers to buy their tools, a Branick GMW-594 or Lisle 62750 set will work.

[Juglenaut]

Noted

[donsz34]

Cant you buy the strute whole ? Not just the cartrige?
Thanks ,Don