I was wondering how difficult/time consuming it was to replace the front struts yourself? What type of equipment do you need? Just got done spending upwards of $500 on new tires & front brakes and not looking to pay somebody else to do the work for awhile. Btw, I have 89K miles on my baby.

Thanks!

 

On of the easiest job you'll have to do.
Air tools are suggested as they make the job even easier, but someone with just the basic toolbox will still manage to get it done in a timely manner.
If you're a first timer I'd say about 40 minutes for the first strut, then 30 minutes per corners. And the front is slightly easier than the rear since the top bolts are more accessible.

If you'll be putting your old springs on your new struts, do yourself a favor a rent a coil spring compressor. Some places will even loan it for free

 

Yeah...if you go to your local Kragen/O'Reilly, they will let you rent the tool for FREE!

 

damn i think i gotta replace my struts too~the ride quality has changed quite a bit,but it doesn't feel like the car is bumpy because of struts blown tho..

My car is at 135 000km right now,i installed/lowered with Roadrace's progress spring when it was 80 000km, what you guys think? struts blown?

 

Can be done yourself with nothing special other than a spring compressor (but be careful). However you will need an alignment afterwards. Some will say this is not true unless your ride height has changed but every time I replace struts with aftermarket units I find that the total toe setting has changed by at least a degree, which is a very large amount.

 

Yes, I think they're blown... when you lower your car you should install performance struts... I just did mine and the ride quality is SOOO much better. My stock struts were completely blown... I had bottomed out a couple times because of the horrid road conditions in Toronto... I would suggest that you do them as soon as you can, and you will definitely see an improvement in your ride quality and handling.

Best of luck

 

How did everyone remove the retaining nut? The whole strut rod turns if I try to turn it...

 

If you're using an impact gun, tap the trigger. If that doesn't work, I've used a wrench on the nut and clamped on the rod (no, this didn't do any damage whatsoever). Voila, came off. I can't remember exactly where I clamped onto the rod to stop it from spinning though - I did that a while back.

 

Thanks MadPatter, I got a friend to hold onto the rod with a plumbing wrench. The rusty pits on the rod worked great as a grippy surface for the wrench to catch

 

No problem, glad you were able to get it done!

 

Can someone please help me out I need performance shocks and struts i have an 03 OZ and i cant find them anywhere

 

Just buy a set of coilovers.

 

no performance struts, spring yes.

But like thunder set get coilovers. There is a set being sold in the FS section right now for $800 shipped I believe.

 

it is extramely easy, im sure if you decide to do it your self your gunna wish why you didnt do it sooner

 

Yes they are expensive but better than most other options... If you are looking for something cheap you can go with the KYBs. Will do the job for you atleast.