FDPP #2

Post by **volvolugnut** » 31 Jul 2020, 17:39

You would need a good spring compressor. Not a cheap one - they are dangerous. Is the spring broken? It is hard to tell what else you need until it is removed. Do you have tools or someone to do this work?
volvolugnut

Post by **gnalan** » 31 Jul 2020, 17:47

I have tools, but I've never replaced a strut before. I have a local shop that can replace the strut, and do an alignment, for $150. If I can replace the strut myself, then it'll only be $60 for the alignment.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 31 Jul 2020, 18:02

It is not too difficult and MVS can talk you through the process. You will need to borrow/rent a suitable spring compressor. If measurement is kept before and after replacement, alignment may not be needed.

Anyone in OHIO that can help with spring compressor? Let's see what help pops up here. Anyone else have usable related parts?

volvolugnut

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 31 Jul 2020, 18:10

Most auto stores will rent out spring compressors for reasonably cheap. They are pretty easy to use, but take safety precautions. Point away from you and others, wear safety glasses, and work slowly.
Then there's the Harbor Freight route, I've had mine for over 4 years and they've been great. I make sure to keep the threads cleaned and oiled.

As far as other components needing replacement, typically I replace the springs seats, strut mounts, bump stops, and bellows while I'm in there. Obviously being that this is meant to just fix the problem without spending all the money needed for a full refresh, you'll probably be alright reusing them unless they're falling apart.

Post by **gnalan** » 31 Jul 2020, 18:35

volvolugnut wrote: ↑31 Jul 2020, 18:02 If measurement is kept before and after replacement, alignment may not be needed.

volvolugnut

What should I measure before and after? Right now the front right tire is basically at the lip of the fender. I'm going to assume that this will effect the measurements, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

Again, thank you all for your help.

Post by **gnalan** » 31 Jul 2020, 18:38

bmdubya1198 wrote: ↑31 Jul 2020, 18:10 As far as other components needing replacement, typically I replace the springs seats, strut mounts, bump stops, and bellows while I'm in there. Obviously being that this is meant to just fix the problem without spending all the money needed for a full refresh, you'll probably be alright reusing them unless they're falling apart.

I'll pull the wheel off this weekend and look over what I can see without pulling the strut. Will the parts be easy to see just doing this, or would I need to remove the strut to figure out what's good/bad?

Post by **volvolugnut** » 31 Jul 2020, 19:15

Check the boot condition. Torn? Wet with shock oil? Push the boot up and see if you can see the yellow bump stop. Is the bump stop crumbling? If you can get both front wheels off the ground, check if the pivot bearing plate (at the top with the three small bolts) feels rough as you move the wheel side to side.
If any bolts are rusty, start penetrating oil.
volvolugnut

Post by **volvolugnut** » 31 Jul 2020, 19:20

Some info to study if had not found it already.
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=93937&hilit=strut+r ... nt#p542332
volvolugnut

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 31 Jul 2020, 19:50

You should at least be able to see the spring seat just by looking at it with the wheel off.

Post by **gnalan** » 31 Jul 2020, 20:24

I've watched a few videos on YouTube, and it looks fairly easy to remove the entire assembly all at once. Is this the best way to check all of the components, and to swap out the strut, or should I try and compress the spring with it on the car and just pull the strut out by itself?

With safety being a major concern, I would think pulling the entire assembly out, then compress the spring and swap over parts, then reinstall the whole assembly would be the best way. Am I correct in my thinking, or just making more work to do that doesn't need to be done?

FDPP #2

Re: FDPP #2