Quote:
Originally Posted by DrRadar
I've got a 99 GTP that just turned 190k miles. It's in good shape and I hope to keep it a while, but it does need some maintenance, including new struts. The fact that the car bottoms out more often than I think it should indicates to me that the struts are worn out. The existing struts (Monroe I think) have 82k on them and were installed by a tire chain. They will "honor" the lifetime warranty, and only charge for labor and alignment - for which they want $535...seems a bit steep.
I've tried to do my homework, including scouring the AF GP archives. It appears that KYB GR2s are highly recommended by owners, and are available at reasonable prices online and even AutoZone. The front strut mounts are original and I'm inclined to replace those as well, based on AF post recommendations. I don't know if they're bad, but the upper strut bolt is not directly centered in the mount. When I bounce the front end, a gap opens/closes between the mount and the strut bolt...that's more evidence of a worn strut, no?
An independent shop told me they charge double labor to install parts that I bring in because they don't want to get into a p!$$ing match with the parts dealer when the customer is not happy. Fair enough... Then they said they would install Monroe (Sensa-Trac or other) if I bought parts from them. I expressed concern about that brand based on my research, and the guy responded by saying those opinions probably came from someone who didn't install them properly and probably wasn't a professional mechanic...wow.
So I'm inclined to replace the struts and front upper mounts as well. But have some questions before I dive in.
How difficult and how dangerous is the spring compression?
Should I consider replacing the rear mounts?
I read somewhere about installing a kit that provides a camber adjustment. How much do I need to know about that, or will it be taken care of, if necessary, by an alignment shop? I am not familiar with the alignment adjustments.
I've done a fair amount of DIY work and understand basic engineering principles, but I certainly am not a professional mechanic. Is this job appropriate from a shade-tree guy?
I appreciate any help or feedback,
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I am like you. Not a professional, but I DIY everything. You can watch strut changeouts on YouTube to get a feel for it. I have a '98 Grand Prix and changed mine myself. The spring compression is probably really dangerous, and it is scary while you are doing it, but worked out well. You just have to note the location of the beginning of the spring on the old strut and make sure you orient the beginning of the spring on the new strut at the same place. Also, change your strut bearing and your upper and lower insulators. I did not use any camber adjustment stuff.