JakeMetz63 Posted August 1, 2006 Report Posted August 1, 2006 Need new rear struts. I took my cuttlass to a shop a couple years ago and paid an arm and a leg for it to get done. How hard does this rate as a "do it yourself " job? Would I need to get an alignment afterwards? What special tooks are needed? If I just buy the struts myself, how much do you think a shop would charge me? BLAH BLAH BLAH I really hate to have to be doing this right now, but corners/bumps/anything are really a bitch right now. GRRR Quote
terryk2003 Posted August 1, 2006 Report Posted August 1, 2006 well, i wouldnt do the struts without doing the upper mounts too...they are not that hard to do...i did mine on the cutlass last year...hardest part is getting the bolts out without breaking any which requires lots of PB Blaster/Liquid Wrench/Etc. ...also, it WILL need to be aligned afterwords... Quote
Euro Posted August 1, 2006 Report Posted August 1, 2006 what was the arm and a leg in $? when my rear struts and strut plates were done 2 winters ago, IIRC it was like just under/over 300 Quote
DiscoStudd Posted August 1, 2006 Report Posted August 1, 2006 Read the FAQ section, man! Follow the write-up on rear strut replacement, and you're golden. If you go the "cheap" route and buy Gabriel struts, you'll be replacing them again in a year or so. Step up to Monroe's or KYB's, and although you take it on the chin as far as initial cost, you won't need to replace the struts again for many years... Quote
Q-Ball Posted August 1, 2006 Report Posted August 1, 2006 This is what I'm going by. http://www.partsource.ca/doityourself/JOM_April2005.asp I need new struts all around. Im definitly going with Monroe's Sens or Reflex's. Quote
DiscoStudd Posted August 2, 2006 Report Posted August 2, 2006 The front struts have replaceable cartridges that are removed with the "knuckle" assemblies still in the car. The cartridges are removed through the top of the strut towers under the hood. You don't even need to raise the front wheels off of the ground! You will, however, need to go to your local auto parts store and rent the "W-Body Strut Tool" kit, as there are special tools needed to get the cartridges out. Instructions are on the inside cover of the tool kit . Read the write-up in the FAQ section to get the rears out. Replacing the rears is easier than you think... Quote
JakeMetz63 Posted August 2, 2006 Author Report Posted August 2, 2006 Awesome, thanks.... didnt even think to check the FAQ Quote
Lee Posted August 3, 2006 Report Posted August 3, 2006 he's not kidding about the Gabrials. My local shop put them in mine when the wife had the car and they are on their third replacement now. Even though the struts are free the labor goes up $5 to $8 a year. Gabe's are a NO!!!!! Quote
1990lumina Posted August 4, 2006 Report Posted August 4, 2006 I replaced my rear struts myself too with the help of my friend's dad's tools (he's a mechanic so it' helps to have all the correct tools to make the job easier) I reused all the bolts and nuts, and the upper strut mount too....nothning was wrong with mine so I figured why spend more money on something that isn't borken...so far so good. I't s been a month and no complaints....are you sure about the alingment if just replacing the rear struts?? My monroe struts had no room for adjustment on the bottom two bolts :s....so far I'm seeing normal wear and no difference in handling?? Quote
5speedz34 Posted August 4, 2006 Report Posted August 4, 2006 I've never had to get an alignment but I'm not saying you might. I would replace everything. Ohh and look on Ebay you should be able to find the tools for pretty cheap. Quote
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