pose_Z34 Posted June 1, 2008 Report Posted June 1, 2008 Anyone have a really good detailed set of instructions for a front strut swap for a Gen I Lumina? Thanks Quote
Venom Posted June 2, 2008 Report Posted June 2, 2008 The fronts are just a cartridge that slide out from the top. You will need to rent the tool needed to remove and install the cartridge. Any AutoZone or Advance should have the tool in stock to rent. Here is the basic rundown (copy and paste from AutoZone's website: http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c1528006823b 1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. 2. Scribe the strut mount cover plate-to-body to ensure proper camber adjustment when installing. 3. Unfasten the three strut mount cover plate retaining nuts, then remove the cover. 4. Remove the strut shaft nut using a No. 50 Torx®bit and tool J 35669, or equivalent. 5. Remove the strut mount bushing by prying with a suitable prybar. Use tool J 35668 to apply pressure on the strut as necessary to relieve side load (compression) on the bushing. 6. For 1988-92 vehicles, perform the following: 1. Remove the jounce bumper retainer using a joune bumper spanner wrench tool J35670. Remove the jounce bumper by attaching the strut extension rod J-35668. 2. Install tool J 38844, or equivalent. Use the information shown on the label of the tool to install in the correct position. 3. Compress the shaft down into the cartridge. Remove the extension rod and pull out the jounce bumper. 4. Remove the strut cartridge closure nut by attaching the strut extension rod and re-extending the shaft. Remove the extension rod and unscrew the closure nut using a strut cap nut wrench J-35671 or equivalent. 7. For 1993-96 vehicles, perform the following: 1. Remove the bumper by attaching tool J 35668 or equivalent to the strut and pulling out the bumper. 2. Install tool J 38844, or equivalent. Use the information shown on the label of the tool to install in the correct position. 3. Compress the strut shaft down into the cartridge. 4. Remove the strut cartridge closure nut by unscrewing the closure nut using tool J 35671 or equivalent. 8. Remove the strut cartridge, then remove the oil from the strut tube using a suitable suction device. To install: 9. Install the self contained replacement cartridge. Secure the closure nut using strut cap nut wrench J-35671, or equivalent. Tighten to 82 ft. lbs. (110 Nm). The cartridge does not need oil added unless specified. If oil is not supplied with the cartridge, add the specified amount of hydraulic jack oil. 10. Install tool J 35668 or equivalent. 11. Remove tool J 38844, or equivalent. 12. Install the jounce bumper and retainer. 13. Raise the strut shaft, then remove tool J 35668. 14. Install the strut mount bushing. Use a soap solution to lubricate the bushing during installation. If necessary, install J 35668 after the bushing is partially installed and position the strut as required to assist in bushing installation. 15. Install the strut shaft nut, using a No. 50 Torx® bit and tool J 35669, then tighten to 72 ft. lbs. (98 Nm) for vehicles through 1994. For 1995-96 vehicles, tighten the shaft nut to 81 ft. lbs. (110 Nm). 16. Align the scribed marks from the strut cover-to-body. Install the strut cover plate and nuts. Tighten the nuts to 18 ft. lbs. (24 Nm) for vehicles through 1994. For 1995-96 vehicles tighten the cover bolts/nuts to 24 ft. lbs. (33 Nm). 17. Connect the negative battery cable and check for proper suspension operation. Quote
BXX Posted June 2, 2008 Report Posted June 2, 2008 Yeah, should take about 10-15 minutes to change both front struts Quote
xtremerevolution Posted June 2, 2008 Report Posted June 2, 2008 Yeah, should take about 10-15 minutes to change both front struts lol Famous last words: "shouldn't take more than..." Between the time when i took out my tools and put them back inside and washed my hands, the job took me 2 full hours, and it was the second time I had done it. Quote
BXX Posted June 2, 2008 Report Posted June 2, 2008 Yeah, should take about 10-15 minutes to change both front struts lol Famous last words: "shouldn't take more than..." Between the time when i took out my tools and put them back inside and washed my hands, the job took me 2 full hours, and it was the second time I had done it. When I did mine it took me 10 minutes to do both.... its not hard at all Quote
xtremerevolution Posted June 4, 2008 Report Posted June 4, 2008 Yeah, should take about 10-15 minutes to change both front struts lol Famous last words: "shouldn't take more than..." Between the time when i took out my tools and put them back inside and washed my hands, the job took me 2 full hours, and it was the second time I had done it. When I did mine it took me 10 minutes to do both.... its not hard at all Do you own/work in a shop and have access to an impact wrench? It would take me at least 2 minutes to wash my hands, and another 5 to take out and put away all my tools. Quote
Venom Posted June 4, 2008 Report Posted June 4, 2008 Well maybe he meant it only took ten minutes of actual work to change them. Then again, it might be theother way cuz Bibs tool box is a bucket Quote
BXX Posted June 5, 2008 Report Posted June 5, 2008 Well maybe he meant it only took ten minutes of actual work to change them. Then again, it might be theother way cuz Bibs tool box is a bucket No, it only took 10 minutes. I dont see whats so hard about them?? And leave ma damn bucket outta dis I do have a real toolbox, the bucket is just easier at the yard Washing hands??? Whats is this washing you speak of??? Quote
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