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 replace 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.
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 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.
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.
Should you replace all 4 struts at once?
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs (front axle or rear axle), and it’s even better to replace the shocks/struts on all four wheels at one time. This helps maintain reliable handling and a consistent response on both sides of the vehicle.
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.
How long does it take to change suspension?
As we discussed in the original piece, suspension repair can vary drastically in time as much as it can in cost, because of how complex a system it is. Replacing a single set of shocks, for example takes between 2-3 hours, as does either side’s control arms.
How do you remove a rusted bolt without heat?
Hydrogen peroxide can dissolve rust. Applying hydrogen peroxide to the fasteners and letting it sit is also an effective method to remove rust and loosen nuts and bolts. Scouring it with a hard brush will help you get rid of all the rust left on the nuts and bolts.
How much does Midas charge to replace struts?
Midas Work Warranty Price Parts & labor 12 months $135 – $945.
Are shocks and struts the same thing?
However, shocks and struts are two distinct parts with different functions. While both can help with your vehicle’s ride and handling, these parts work in different ways. Shocks are individual components of the suspension system while struts are a major structural component of the chassis and suspension system.
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.
How do I know 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.
How hard is it to change shocks and struts?
Shocks are relatively simple and cheap. Struts are more complicated and you will need a spring compressor to remove the springs. After replacing the front struts you will need to get a wheel alignment.
How long do struts last?
On average shocks and struts can last 5-10 years or 50,000-100,000 miles under ideal driving conditions. Many factors can affect the lifespan of these components to include: manufacturer, bad roads, heavy loads, towing, hard braking and aggressive driving.
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.
Do car’s have both shocks and struts?
First of all, it is important to note that not all vehicles have both shocks and struts. Shocks are part of the overall suspension, and a strut is a complete suspension assembly. The shocks and/or struts in your car perform two functions. They dampen spring oscillation, and secondly, they aid in ride control.
