Rear Struts...shocks....whatever they are

[skippie]

Alright guys, well here is the deal. Both of my rear struts are making a horrible clunking noise whenever i hit a crack in the road. Im thinking its due to bad shocks? But then I have a question, what exacly do i have? is it struts, or shocks, or what? and what is the differene?

Also, if that is the problem, and im assuming it is, are they that hard to take out, and replace? I was thinking about doing all 4 of them maybe, since the car has 100,000 now, it would be a good idea. Im guessing it'll be around $250-$300? Anyone have any answers to my questions, or anything else they would like to share, please do. Thanks. thumbs_u

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

The SHO has struts on all four corners...

and I believe that the only "special" tool you'll need is a spring compressor...

I am very interested in this as well... I need to replace my rears too

"bumps and the clunks" boink

 

[Emerald94]

If the struts are originals, they're probably shot but the noise could also be coming from the strut mounts. Make sure you replace them. Your end links will probably have to be cut in order to be removed (they usually get very rusty). It would be a good time to get new ones. TRW/Moog makes good replacement.

 

[projectSHO89]

Plan on all of the following: strut, strut mount, spring, sway bar end links, sway bar bushings, sheared pinch bolt, a cobalt drill bit, a grade 8 bolt, creating several new cuss words, including several pertaining to the parentage of the person who decided to use salt on northern roads.

The clunking which is probably coming from the area several inches below the top rear sholder harness connects is indead a worn out upper mount. Whether the mount alone can be replaced would be dificult to forsee until the whole assembly is dropped and you see how rusted the strut shaft/stud and the mounting bolt turns out to be.

You will absolutely need the spring compressors. AutoZone will loan you a very good set for a deposit. An air impact wrench will make it easier. If you're in the Rust Belt, plan on a generous supply of PB Blaster. A 13 or 14 mm ratcheting box end will help in getting the assembly loose from inside the trunk. Otherwise, you have to remove the rear seat, the rear package tray, and the seatbelt (large Torx).

Good luck, this is a pretty big job the first time.

Steve

 

[Mishney]

Much agreed with the above! I just finished the job yesterday. I had the same clunking and my rear mount was DESTROYED! I put in new KYB GR2 struts and KYB mounts all from TireRack for just under $200. I did shear both pinch bolts. If you start to think that you're getting it...go slower. They are a PAIN! I replaced them with a grade 10.9 M12x1.75x60 I think. I was able to drill out the old bolt and save the threads. Make sure you drill in stages...start real small to center your hole. I pulled the rear seat for access to the top bolts, it made it real easy. I agree with the PB blaster comment, it makes all the difference, be liberal with it. Good luck!

Matt

<small>[ February 03, 2003, 08:25 AM: Message edited by: Mishney ]</small>

 

[skippie]

Alright, well after reading those posts, im scared. I think im just going to look around to see if anyone can do it for me for a resonable price, and amount of time. thumbs_u I think I could do it, but my luck, the car will be down for months, I dont have time for that. Thanks for all the info guys. Im going to have to think about the best way to tackle this problem, before I do anything.

suspension work = boink

<small>[ February 03, 2003, 01:22 PM: Message edited by: skippie ]</small>

 

[Joe RedCloud]

I just had the rear done on my '92 MTX about 2 weeks ago. I thought of doing it myself and actually started. Then it got more complicated than I was willing to chance. Went to a local outfitter in town. They allowed me to watch and participate in the process so I'll know what/how next time. I encourage you to go to a reliable shop if you're not 110% positive you can do it yourself. My car took an entire 2 hours with 3 of us working on it. Course, we also replaced a bunch of other things while the car was up on the lift too. Good luck!

 

[91 Plus]

Skippie is a little girl......he wont do it!

 

[pjtoledo]

projectSHO89:
,,,,,,,,,A 13 or 14 mm ratcheting box end will help in getting the assembly loose from inside the trunk,,,,,,,,).

Good luck, this is a pretty big job the first time.

Steve

13mm, but the nuts are pinched to better lock onto the studs. Same size as the front nuts.

Perry Toledo,Ohio

 

[DJ SHO]

Just had my rears done the other day. They were the originals and I got 148k on the clock. Those struts were absolute TOAST! And the right rear mount was shot. I replaced both mounts, and struts, and we were able to save the pinch bolts. Everything came out pretty easy IMO. For being through probably every winter here in NY I was surprised at how easy eveything came apart. We had to heat up the pinch bolts a little bit but they survived.

I recently replaced by end links too. I still have some noise in the rear over some bumps though (no where near as bad as before). I'm thinking maybe my bushings in the rear (and the whole car for that matter) are old and crappy. Great, more money to sink into the Moneypit SHO.