You’ll have to get an alignment done afterward (about $100), but you’ll still save about $300 by doing the job yourself. You’ll need rust penetrant, wrenches, a pin punch or large screwdriver , and a thin piece of plywood. You may need to buy a few large sockets and a breaker bar. Here are the steps.
What parts are needed for strut replacement?
Strut assemblies include the strut, spring, spring seat insulator, strut boot, jounce bumper, strut mount, and bearing plate . If you need to completely replace your strut, a strut assembly can save you a lot of time and money.
What tools do you need to change suspension?
- Spring Compressor. One part of suspension repair is replacing coil springs. ...
- Hydraulic Puller. ...
- CV Boot Tool. ...
- Torque Wrench. ...
- Ball Joint Separator. ...
- Strut Nuts. ...
- Tie Rod Puller.
Do you need a spring compressor to change struts?
Remove the wheel and extract the old shock/strut
The wheel is easy, of course, but getting the absorber out of there may take some elbow grease. If a spring compressor is required for your job, this is where you’d use it.
Can you replace just the strut?
It’s not necessary , but it’s usually recommended to replace them in pairs, for example, both front struts or both rear shocks. ... However, if your car is not very old, replacing only one strut or shock absorber may be enough, since the opposite side is not worn out yet.
Do I have to get an alignment after replacing struts?
Replacing those struts requires no alignment .
How long can you drive with bad struts?
How long can you expect your shocks or struts to last? That depends. “Driving on rough or unpaved roads, towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads, can shorten their functional life,” says Reina. “With heavy use, you could be looking to replace them at 40,000 or 50,000 miles or sooner .
Are ball joints supposed to move?
Ball joints are flexible joints that allow components of the suspension to move up and down , as well as side-to-side, usually in a full 360 degree rotation.
What are the symptoms of a defective shock absorber?
- Excessive Bouncing, Swerving, & Diving.
- Uneven Tire Wear. ...
- Longer Stopping Distance. ...
- Steering Wheel Vibration. ...
Will new struts improve ride?
Shocks and struts help keep the vehicle stable during acceleration and braking. ... The customer may think that new shocks and struts will simply make their ride smoother, but the truth is that new shocks and struts can do a whole lot more . New shocks and struts can make a vehicle corner and brake like when it was new.
Should you replace all 4 struts at once?
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four , for even, predictable handling and control. ... Remember, too, that whenever the struts are replaced, it becomes important to check the alignment, as it may have changed, to protect your vehicle tires and assure maximum safety.
How much does it cost 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 happens if you don’t replace both struts?
There are two negatives to riding on worn-out struts or automotive shocks: Safety: Worn struts result in longer stopping times and/or distances as the vehicle weight can shift (sometimes unexpectedly) during braking. This also negatively affects your ability to stay in control of your vehicle.
Are struts worth replacing?
Struts don’t need to be replaced unless your vehicle is bouncing like it’s on a pogo stick or bottoms out in potholes and over railroad tracks — or unless a mechanic finds that they’re leaking fluid or have been damaged. ... The struts limit the resulting bouncing caused by the springs compressing and releasing.
Can I replace just one rear strut?
Technically, it is possible to have just one strut done at a time . But, I don’t know of a single mechanic that would advise having one strut done. Struts are replaced in pairs for several reasons, the most important of them being that replacing only one can very easily lead to an unsafe driving condition.
