Strut Replacement
#1
Strut Replacement
My suspension is a bit creaky and both of my two front struts are leaking. I've never replaced anything related to suspension in any car before. I've read up on replacing the struts and I see that you need a special machine to compress the spring, which is not something I have. I've also heard that if I purchase a strut, attached to the spring, that it's as simple as removing the entire unit (strut/spring together), and replacing it with a new unit.
In other words, can I remove the strut/spring easily, without any special tools, and replace with a new unit? What other things should be replaced while I'm in there? I'm not looking to spend too much money on this and this is not a track car.
Thanks!
In other words, can I remove the strut/spring easily, without any special tools, and replace with a new unit? What other things should be replaced while I'm in there? I'm not looking to spend too much money on this and this is not a track car.
Thanks!
#2
Rennlist Member
You can rent a spring compressor at almost any auto parts store...I'm pretty sure you'll need to have 1 or 2 on hand when you replace your springs/struts/shocks...
#4
What's the reason for taking the springs off the struts? It looks like I can purchase a set of Koni's that have strut/spring combination as a single unit. So i'm wondering if I can remove the strut/spring combo as a single unit, and replace with the new combo unit, without needing to remove the spring. Does it not work that way?
#6
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
If it is a complete assembled unit, you can install without a spring compressor.
I’ve done it this way with other cars.
But don’t be surprised if you receive it unassembled and have to reuse some existing parts.
Creaking car also be from control arms.
I bought my 996 cheaply because the seller thought it needed a complete new suspension.
I only had to change 1 control arm($68 from RockAuto) to get rid of the creaking.
Now I’m about to swap out my struts and shock with Feal coilovers.
(I want adjustability...I just can't leave anything alone!)
They come as complete assembled units and don’t require a strut compressor.
They’re not a whole lot more than Koni adjustable shocks and H&R springs.
(Koni adjustable are not a complete assembled kit)
I’ve done it this way with other cars.
But don’t be surprised if you receive it unassembled and have to reuse some existing parts.
Creaking car also be from control arms.
I bought my 996 cheaply because the seller thought it needed a complete new suspension.
I only had to change 1 control arm($68 from RockAuto) to get rid of the creaking.
Now I’m about to swap out my struts and shock with Feal coilovers.
(I want adjustability...I just can't leave anything alone!)
They come as complete assembled units and don’t require a strut compressor.
They’re not a whole lot more than Koni adjustable shocks and H&R springs.
(Koni adjustable are not a complete assembled kit)