Do it yourself strut installation

[TheSHOof1994]

About to under go replacing the front struts on my 1994 any suggestions or tips, any body do it before?

 

[RonPorter]

Yes.

More info needed!!

Reusing springs? Get all the related parts, like strut mounts, bearings, coil insulators, etc.

Oh, you will need a spring compressor.

And use a LOT of heat on the lower strur bolts, they like to break!!

Buncha other stuff, but doable in the driveway. For me, I now assemble the new components and have a shop do it!!

 

[TimboSHO]

1. Get quick struts. Very easy, and cheaper than getting all of the parts individually.

2. Don't break the pinch bolts (like Ron said). Use heat, or heat/cold shock method. Someone also told me something about using paraffin to help them come out without breaking.

 

[rubydist]

for me, the trick on the pinch bolts is to:

1. liberally apply PB Blaster the day before I start.
2. turn the pinch bolt as far out as I can till it gets real tight from all the rust, etc.
3. turn it back in all the way.
4. turn it out until it binds again.
5. repeat steps 3 & 4 until it comes all the way out.

 

[sho'noff]

I had some serious problems with my rear struts, so they went back on. try and get the big nut from under the hood to get the springs apart from the strut. battery operated impact wrenches are available on the market.

 

[jayro]

First, as others have mentioned, lot's of PB Blaster and a good torch. Propane will work, but takes a lot longer. I would suggest atleast a MAPP gas or hotter one.

Also, not sure how you plan on doing it, but I have done them with removing the knuckles from the car and without it. To do it without use a pry bar and an air hammer to drive the knuckle down off the bottom of the strut. Putting them back in can be a little bit of a pain to get the strut to slide back in the knuckle, but it can be done with a little patience and ingenuity. Good luck, hope yours doesn't have as much rust as mine did.

 

[kevinspann]

I had some serious problems with my rear struts, so they went back on. try and get the big nut from under the hood to get the springs apart from the strut. battery operated impact wrenches are available on the market.

A spring compressor for the spring, and some larger vice-grips on the shaft of the strut to hold it, and an impact for the top nut.

 

[RonPorter]

I used MAP gas, PB blaster, etc. Never had a problem with the front struts (bigger bolt, less crud up there), but I always broke at least one rear pinch bolt, usually both. I then drill them out & use a bolt/washer/nut.

These were all MI rust-country cars.

That's why I don't do this job anymore!!

 

[Talyn]

Can't ya just replace the bolt?

 

[93rev2sev]

It threads directly in to the knuckle. If it breaks, you have to remove the knuckle and have the broken piece machined out (drilled).

 

[Talyn]

It threads directly in to the knuckle. If it breaks, you have to remove the knuckle and have the broken piece machined out (drilled).

oh okay.

I have not looked at it.
I need to do struts and mounts on my 93. just have not got around to it.

Figured I'd start looking a bit on how to do it.

 

[jayro]

oh okay.

I have not looked at it.
I need to do struts and mounts on my 93. just have not got around to it.

Figured I'd start looking a bit on how to do it.

In talking to a family member who has been doing mechanic work for 30+ years....this is the advice he gave me about the rear pinch bolts.

1. PB blaster
2. lots of heat
3. He said that he found that the bolts tend to bind up due in the section of the knuckle that is not threaded due to rust. He has had luck with a combination of working the bolt forward and backward along with using an air hammer on the knuckle where the bold goes through. He said this helps to break the rust free. He has had better luck than most people with this method, but said that some are just a lost cause.

Hope this helps.

 

[Talyn]

I lived in michigan most of my life. I know rust. =)

 

[shobote]

Break loose the top nut ( 1 or 2 turns, do not remove !) on the strut while it is still mounted in the car. This makes it very easy compared to trying to do it once the strut is off the car.

 

[sho'noff]

well since you are replacing them a sawzall might take the spring off the srut.