What should I do when I replace my struts?
Also when replacing struts, make sure that the vehicle is raised on both sides. Like if the front struts were to be replaced, both the front wheels must be off the ground. Both the left and right struts are mounted with extensions to a rod called the sway bar.
Why are the left and right struts the same?
Both the left and right struts are mounted with extensions to a rod called the sway bar. This bar is made of spring steel and when twisted, the bar naturally wants to return to its normal resting position. With having only one wheel in the air, the position of the sway bar is twisted, making it difficult in removing the sway bar extension.
How are front struts mounted on a car?
Like if the front struts were to be replaced, both the front wheels must be off the ground. Both the left and right struts are mounted with extensions to a rod called the sway bar. This bar is made of spring steel and when twisted, the bar naturally wants to return to its normal resting position.
What are the symptoms of worn out front struts?
Here are 6 common symptoms of worn out struts: 1. Steering response is less than stellar. If you notice that the vehicle steering is sluggish, or not as responsive to input as usual, it is typically a warning sign of damaged or worn out struts.
When to replace front struts on your car?
If you notice that the vehicle steering is sluggish, or not as responsive to input as usual, it is typically a warning sign of damaged or worn out struts. 2. Steering performance is stiff. This symptom is different than steering response.
Is the front shock the same as the rear strut?
The words “shocks” and “struts” are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same thing. Each wheel on your car has either a shock or a strut, never both; although, a vehicle may have struts in the front and shocks in the rear. Consult your owner’s manual or speak to an Advance Team Member to be sure. We’ll take you through the basics below.
How often should you replace your front suspension?
The best answer for this question is to follow 3 general rules of thumb: Have your struts and suspension inspected every 25,000 miles or when you notice premature tire wear. Most automotive mechanics suggest having the front suspension components inspected every 25,000 to 30,000 miles. Always replace worn struts in pairs.
Do you need a compressor to replace struts?
On many cars, the struts/shocks and springs are interrelated or integrated, which means you may need a spring compressor to remove the springs.
How do you install spindle to strut assembly?
Push or tap spindle assembly onto strut and remove screwdriver from pinch joint opening. Install spindle-to-strut assembly pinch bolt into spindle and through strut (Fig. 3). Torque bolt (E) to the value shown in the original equipment service manual. • Obtain replacement bolts if threads are bent or damaged. TWO LOWER BOLTS STYLE:
What happens if you remove the center nut on a strut?
Do not remove the center nut or the strut will come apart and it is under high spring tension. Since you’ve removed the bolts from the steering knuckle, the strut might fall loose after you remove these bolts. It might help to have a partner holding onto the strut assembly while you loosen these bolts.
Where are the strut bolts located on a car?
Once the strut bolts are out the strut and steering knuckle are separated. Open the hood and locate the strut towers to remove the bolts. Usually they are located at the midpoint of the inside fender well and look like cylinders. They are most likely held in by three small bolts. Remove the strut tower bolts.
What’s the best way to replace struts on a car?
Raise the vehicle and support it with jack stands. Start by soaking the strut flange nuts and bolts with rust penetrant. Then pop the hood and spray the strut-tower mounting nuts. Spin two lug nuts onto the studs and tighten to secure the rotor to the hub. While they’re soaking, mount the angle gauge to the top of the rotor and note the angle.
Do not remove the center nut or the strut will come apart and it is under high spring tension. Since you’ve removed the bolts from the steering knuckle, the strut might fall loose after you remove these bolts. It might help to have a partner holding onto the strut assembly while you loosen these bolts.
Once the strut bolts are out the strut and steering knuckle are separated. Open the hood and locate the strut towers to remove the bolts. Usually they are located at the midpoint of the inside fender well and look like cylinders. They are most likely held in by three small bolts. Remove the strut tower bolts.
When to replace front struts and supporting shocks?
In all truth, the life-span of struts and supporting shocks will depend greatly on the driving conditions and patterns. Those who drive on city roads and highways frequently might experience longer-lasting struts than those living on country roads. The best answer for this question is to follow 3 general rules of thumb:
What happens when you remove a nut from a strut?
This will make the spring that is compressed into place spring out at a forceful rate. You must have the spring compressed prior to removing this nut. It can be tricky replacing a strut on a vehicle. Sometimes the lower control arm ball joint does not free up and is frozen (stuck) to the strut.
Can a sledge hammer be used to remove a strut?
Sometimes the lower control arm ball joint does not free up and is frozen (stuck) to the strut. When this happens, use a sledge hammer and hit the lower control arm area where the ball joint is mounted to and the joint will come apart.
How to replace the rear strut on a Toyota?
From back inside the rear passenger compartment, remove the nuts that secure the strut assembly to the frame of the car. An extra pair of helping hands can prevent the strut from abruptly dropping away after the last nut has been removed. If you are replacing the entire strut assembly, skip to step 13.
How do you remove a strut from a spring?
Remove the large nut on top of the strut with ratchet and socket combination, and hold the strut rod with a wrench just below the strut bearing. Make a note of the strut top plate rotation before removal and reinstall in the same position. The strut can now be removed from the spring while the spring is still compressed by the spring compressor.
What makes a clunking noise after a strut replacement?
Noises After Shock/Strut Replacement: Causes. Internal shock or strut noise is uncommon. The most common cause for clunking noises over bumps is the mounts or attaching parts. Careful inspection is often required to identify the cause. Mountings and bushings can appear to be tight, but move slightly when driving.
Also when replacing struts, make sure that the vehicle is raised on both sides. Like if the front struts were to be replaced, both the front wheels must be off the ground. Both the left and right struts are mounted with extensions to a rod called the sway bar.
Both the left and right struts are mounted with extensions to a rod called the sway bar. This bar is made of spring steel and when twisted, the bar naturally wants to return to its normal resting position. With having only one wheel in the air, the position of the sway bar is twisted, making it difficult in removing the sway bar extension.
Like if the front struts were to be replaced, both the front wheels must be off the ground. Both the left and right struts are mounted with extensions to a rod called the sway bar. This bar is made of spring steel and when twisted, the bar naturally wants to return to its normal resting position.
What makes a noise when a strut is replaced?
The insulating material density changes over time and the mount pivot bearings wear. Other suspension and steering components often cause noises that the shocks/struts get blamed for: Ball joints, sway bar bushings & links are common causes.
The insulating material density changes over time and the mount pivot bearings wear. Other suspension and steering components often cause noises that the shocks/struts get blamed for: Ball joints, sway bar bushings & links are common causes.
Here are 6 common symptoms of worn out struts: 1. Steering response is less than stellar. If you notice that the vehicle steering is sluggish, or not as responsive to input as usual, it is typically a warning sign of damaged or worn out struts.
This will make the spring that is compressed into place spring out at a forceful rate. You must have the spring compressed prior to removing this nut. It can be tricky replacing a strut on a vehicle. Sometimes the lower control arm ball joint does not free up and is frozen (stuck) to the strut.
Why do you need struts on front wheel drive cars?
Struts are commonly found on front wheel drive vehicles and are becoming more diverse on all wheels of many vehicles. Struts are designed for compact vehicles which cannot support a standard coil spring suspension with an upper and lower control arm. The design of a strut is vital to repairs.
Where do you find struts on a car?
Struts are considered a multi function suspension part on every vehicle. Struts are commonly found on front wheel drive vehicles and are becoming more diverse on all wheels of many vehicles. Struts are designed for compact vehicles which cannot support a standard coil spring suspension with an upper and lower control arm.
Why do you need to replace your front struts?
By being proactive about replacing your front struts as recommended by your manufacturer, you can avoid further damage to steering and suspension components like shock absorbers, ball joints, and tie rod ends, reduce wear and tear on tires, and maintain a safe-operating vehicle.
What’s the best way to remove a strut?
Use a ratcheting wrench or socket/ratchet to loosen the strut mount nuts located on the strut tower. Loosen all of them and remove all but one. Then reach into the wheel well to support the strut while you remove the last nut.
How often should front suspension and struts be inspected?
Have your struts and suspension inspected every 25,000 miles or when you notice premature tire wear. Most automotive mechanics suggest having the front suspension components inspected every 25,000 to 30,000 miles.
Is there a quick way to replace struts?
They get worn out with use and sometimes will break if you’ve gone over some particularly bumpy terrain, resulting in a kind of deep click sound when you turn. Purchasing a quick-strut assembly is the quickest and easiest way to replace the struts yourself. Below, you can learn to remove the old strut and replace a new assembly.
Do you need a compressor to change struts?
It’s recommended that the beginner forego attempts to compress the spring on the old strut using a spring compressor or spring clamps. This method is used to save money by salvaging the old spring and installing it on the new strut, but if you don’t have your own strut compressor, it will run you $700.