Table of Contents
How to Tell If You Need New Struts. Measure the Camber Angle. Loosen and Remove the Nuts and Bolts. Separate the Strut and Knuckle. Remove the Strut Mount Nuts. Install the New Strut and Reset the Angle.
How long does it take to install front struts?
In most cases, it shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours to get back on the road again. If you’re interested in replacing shocks and struts on your vehicle, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re discussing the difference between the two and how to replace them so you can save some money.
Do you need to compress quick struts?
And remember, just like brakes, you should be replacing your struts in pairs. Because this eliminates the need to compress the spring during strut removal, the job becomes much safer, easier and quicker.
Do you need an alignment after replacing struts?
Strut suspension usually has the shock absorber and the spring in one unit, with the top of the strut mounted very high in the car body and the bottom of the strut attached to the lower control arm. This lowers the vehicle center of gravity, which is a good thing. Replacing those struts requires no alignment.
Can I replace struts myself?
Strut Replacement Replacing struts used to be a dangerous job for a DIYer. But these days you can buy a complete strut assembly that eliminates the strut/spring/mount disassembly process. These assemblies allow you to replace both of your front struts yourself in less than two hours.
What is the difference between shocks and struts?
The major difference between shocks and struts is that a strut is a structural part of the vehicles suspension system where a shock is not. A strut is also a pivot point for the vehicles steering system and contains a coil spring. Because of this an alignment is always needed when replacing a strut.
How should new struts feel?
Simply walk to each corner of the vehicle and push down. Watch that corner as it rises back into place. If it springs back up right away and settles immediately, that strut is probably fine. But if it takes a long time to get back into place or if it bounces up and down before settling, you’ve probably got a problem.
How do you turn a strut on?
The strut rotates during normal use when you turn the steering wheel. As stated above, just attach the upper bolts, and use a long screw driver or similar bar. Pass it through the strut to knuckle bolt holes and rotate the strut to the proper location. No need to compress the spring.
Which way should a gas strut be installed?
Note: – Always install after painting, welding etc. – The gas strut should always be fitted with the piston pointing down. – Use suitable end fittings and angle joints to avoid coupling jamming.
Can you put a left strut on the right side?
Short answer: yes and no. OEM or original equiptment yes it does. Your break line will attach on the R or L side, but some manufacturers put bilateral brackets so is can go on either side.
Can struts be installed backwards?
The struts aren’t side specific. The OEM coils and shocks are the same for both sides. Reversing them should have no effect.
When should I replace my strut mounts?
When to replace them? A simple rule of thumb is that if the struts or coil springs are being replaced because of age or wear, then also replace the mounts. A worn or damaged mount can cause a variety of symptoms so they should be inspected by a qualified technician.
How do I tell if my struts are bad?
The Warning Signs Of Worn Shocks And Struts Instability at highway speeds. Vehicle “tips” to one side in turns. The front end dives more than expected during hard braking. Rear-end squat during acceleration. Tires bouncing excessively. Unusual tire wear. Leaking fluid on the exterior of shocks or struts.
When replacing struts What else should I replace?
If you are replacing a strut on a vehicle, you need to inspect the sway bar links and look up if there are cam bolts that can make camber adjustable. The sway bar links will make sure the suspension is silent after the strut is replaced and they probably need replacement due to wear.
Do struts make noise?
Strut noise Some worn-out struts (but not all) will make noises that can alert you to their declining state. Bad strut sounds are usually described as a hollow clunking or banging type of sound. You’ll typically hear the noise when the vehicle is traveling over irregularities in the road.
How much does Midas charge to replace struts?
Midas Work Warranty Price Parts & labor 12 months $135 – $945.
Is it expensive to replace struts?
To replace a pair of struts, the total cost on average is between $400 and $1000, including wheel alignment. An individual strut assembly costs approximately $150 to $350, while the labor cost is $100 to $300 for a pair.
What parts do I need to replace struts?
Replacing struts isn’t complicated. You’ll need basic tools to lift and support the vehicle and remove the wheel, shock absorber, and strut assembly. If you plan on replacing only the strut cartridge, buy or rent a spring compressor.
