Stan9864 Posted May 17, 2011 Report Posted May 17, 2011 I am looking to replace struts on my 2000 Buick Century, and need some advice... Is this job do-able by a backyard mechanic.. with just hand tools and jack stands (I assume that the car has to hang free, so ramps can't be used)? Spring compressor is available from AZ, if needed. Can wheel alignment be reasonably maintained? I am looking at Monroe sensa-trac replacements. They offer strut replacement ($50), and strut assembly replacement (Strut; Coil Spring; Bearing Plate; Insulator; Boot Kit, $115). Without having gotten these off yet, would someone care to advise on this? Thanks in advance.... Quote
Andrew Posted May 18, 2011 Report Posted May 18, 2011 yeah its not bad at all. If you replace the whole assembly, its as simple as 3 nuts on top and 2 bolts at the knuckle. Yes, let the suspension hang. the rears are only slightly trickier since you get to crawl in the trunk to get to the top 3 nuts. Quote
Stan9864 Posted June 15, 2011 Author Report Posted June 15, 2011 I am looking to replace struts on my 2000 Buick Century, and need some advice... OK, finally getting around to this, and have another question... Can I "break" (start to unloosen) the center nut on top of the strut while it is still in the car, or do I have to wait until the strut is removed and the spring compressed before I even touch that nut? I do not have a vise available to hold the strut after I get it off the car, I would like to start that nut while it is still anchored in the car. Sorry if this is idiot question, but I've never done struts before. Thanks. Quote
alec_b Posted June 16, 2011 Report Posted June 16, 2011 Do NOT touch that nut with any tension on it. Once the spring is compressed, all you need is a vice grips to go through the coil and grab on to the strut rod. That will keep it from turning while you remove the top nut. Since you don't have the most convenient tools at your disposal, I HIGHLY recommend spending the money and getting quick struts. It makes the job much much easier and much more safe for you and whoever is around. I've done countless amounts of struts and have the proper tools available and they still scare me sometimes. Coil springs are dangerous things to mess with. Quote
Stan9864 Posted June 16, 2011 Author Report Posted June 16, 2011 Do NOT touch that nut with any tension on it. Once the spring is compressed, all you need is a vice grips to go through the coil and grab on to the strut rod. That will keep it from turning while you remove the top nut. Ok, that answers my question! Since you don't have the most convenient tools at your disposal, I HIGHLY recommend spending the money and getting quick struts. It makes the job much much easier and much more safe for you and whoever is around. I've done countless amounts of struts and have the proper tools available and they still scare me sometimes. Coil springs are dangerous things to mess with. I have already purchased the strut cartridges, mounting kits, and compressor. I am going to give it a shot and see how it goes. I understand the danger. Thanks for your reply. Quote
Stan9864 Posted June 21, 2011 Author Report Posted June 21, 2011 Can wheel alignment be reasonably maintained? Anyone care to answer this? I haven't taken these struts off yet. How do I mark these to keep alignment? Will I definitely have to go for a shop alignment after this job? Thanks. Quote
AL Posted June 21, 2011 Report Posted June 21, 2011 Places usually check alignments for free so go ahead and do it and have them check it out and see if you need one Quote
NickDiGeronamo Posted April 16, 2012 Report Posted April 16, 2012 Ah I just noticed that this is an old post but I will reply anyway I guess in case there are others with this question. I'm not what you would call a "car-guy" but I had the same question when I was trying to fix the suspension on my car! Basically, I found complete strut assemblies online a few weeks ago for a pretty good price - 80 bucks or so apiece. It was really easy to do- again I'm not naturally mechanically inclined but I did it no problem. Quote
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