Replacing rear struts and need help!!!

I have a 94' GP SE 2-door coupe that I've owned for 6 yrs now. The driver side rear strut went bad on me this past week when i hit a pothole. I've called around for quotes and every shop wants $375+ to replace them. I went to AutoZone and got a pair with the upper mounts for $170 and decided to replace them myself. From what I've gathered, it doesn't seem like much work to replace them. The question I have is; Will I need a strut compressor of some sort, even though there is not an external spring to compress? Also, does anyone have a step-by-step for replacing these or know of an online source I can refer to? Pictures would help out tremendous.
I've also previously posted a problem I was having with a bouncing idle between 600 and 1000 rpm. I've checked/cleaned as many grounds as possible, replaced plugs, wires, and coils but it still bounces. Any ideas???

There is nothing real special about changing struts, you will need a compressor to remove the springs from the struts. DO NOT USE regular coil spring compressors as they will slip and could seriously injure you. Check with Autozone as they should have a pair of strap or locking spring compressors that you can rent. To remove the current struts simply remove the upper bolts, three each side, remove the lower bolt at the wheel and jack up the body a little so that the wheel drops slightly. The strut should come right out. Compress the spring, remove the nut on top of the strut and remove the mount from the top of the spring. Pull the spring off and replace the old strut with the new one. Replace the mount and nut and tighten properly. Then slowly release the tension on the compressors, do this equally on both sides and keep your fingers away from any pinch points. Then replace the strut on the car. Tighten all bolts, replace the wheel and lower the car. Repeat on the opposite side. For pictures on how to replace the struts check out www.diy.com and search strut replacement. They will show you step by step on how to do this. Once you have changed both struts take it to an alignment shop to have it realigned.
As far as the idle problem you may need to clean the Idle Air Control Motor. It is located on the throttle body and is easy to clean. Simply remove it and clean with carb cleaner. Don't move the plunger while cleaning. Allow to dry and replace it. Takes less than 20 minutes to clean. If this doesn't solve the problem check for vacuum leaks.
Good Luck!

Sorry Dad,But he has the older style. one bolt on the top and two holding the mount,two on the bottom and the coil spring is not on the strut.

http://www.rockauto.com/ref/KYB/236003.jpg

You dont need a puller of any type.Like I said above,you just need to remove the top nut and two for the mount,then the bottom two bolts and thats it.You will need a mallet to pop out the bottom two bolts.


~Larry~

Sorry Big-L I didn't pay attention to the year. Thanks for correcting me.

Sorry Big-L I didn't pay attention to the year. Thanks for correcting me.

Nice write up. :1:

I also know of some very good write ups on our's (97/04 W-Body) and they even have pictures :wink:


~Larry~

Excellent!!! That's exactly what I needed to hear. I'll let you know how it goes in a few days when I'm finished. Thanks for your help!