Front End

Hello Everyone,
I am a rookie in here, so if I am doing something wrong, please let me know..

Now the question:
I need to replace the struts on my 2004 Cav.
What tools should I expect to use? And where can I find them? Do I need to use a spring compressor?

Also, do the struts come out from the top, as in the old days, or once I take the tires off, this where I will do the work?

Thanks in advance.
i.hinojosa

Well since your this is your first post you have not been informed about the search button. Read the rules so you know how things run around here... here ya go...
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/search.php?searchid=750455&page=3

it has been answered many times before and reacently...all of them come out the tire wells.. never remove the center nut untill you have a spring compressor on them. loosen the bolts ontop of the mounts... then remove the lower bolts, just work your way through it and will be easy.. I reccomend startin in the rear because its easier... then the front won't look soo hard... if you have any other questions just PM me or IM me with the same SN on AIM.

Well since your this is your first post you have not been informed about the search button. Read the rules so you know how things run around here... here ya go...
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/search.php?searchid=750455&page=3

it has been answered many times before and reacently...all of them come out the tire wells.. never remove the center nut untill you have a spring compressor on them. loosen the bolts ontop of the mounts... then remove the lower bolts, just work your way through it and will be easy.. I reccomend startin in the rear because its easier... then the front won't look soo hard... if you have any other questions just PM me or IM me with the same SN on AIM.

if you are using the same top mounts and springs you will need spring compressors. You can remove the comeplete strut assy without the compressors but if you nee the top mounts or even just the springs you can compress them off the car and do the necessary stripping. When you take out a strut while it's still in the car just loosen the middle bolt about a 1/4-1/2 turn. This makes life easier on the banch and it wont let the spring go. This is just an old trick.

^^^^ u guys both beat me to this for sure lol - bastards :smile:

before i had a one - a manual hydrolic press works just fine too for compressing them aswell

^^^^ u guys both beat me to this for sure lol - bastards :smile:

before i had a one - a manual hydrolic press works just fine too for compressing them aswell

A whole pack of zip ties and a whole shit load of stupidity too!