replace complete front strut assy

[Northdan]

Hi guys!!

I realy need help!

I engaged my self in changing my front strut assy (bought used) cause my spring broke. Everything is loose, but i got a couple of questions!!
- How do i take off the strut from the nuckle?
- Do i have to compress the coil since i take out the hole assy and put a complet one back in?
- Can i get a complet step by step guide (with pictures would be great) please?

I got a windstar 2002
the strut is on the driver side

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by Northdan

Hi guys!!

I realy need help!

I engaged my self in changing my front strut assy (bought used) cause my spring broke. Everything is loose, but i got a couple of questions!!
- How do i take off the strut from the nuckle?
- Do i have to compress the coil since i take out the hole assy and put a complet one back in?
- Can i get a complet step by step guide (with pictures would be great) please?

I got a windstar 2002
the strut is on the driver side

Go to autozone.com and sign up for the repair guides, then look up your vehicle and it should have procedure.

hope this helps

[catvents]

Originally Posted by Northdan

Hi guys!!

I realy need help!

I engaged my self in changing my front strut assy (bought used) cause my spring broke. Everything is loose, but i got a couple of questions!!
- How do i take off the strut from the nuckle?
- Do i have to compress the coil since i take out the hole assy and put a complet one back in?
- Can i get a complet step by step guide (with pictures would be great) please?

I got a windstar 2002
the strut is on the driver side

I did the job a year ago ( same reason, broken coil spring plus destroy a new Bridgestone tire) You do not have to compress the spring, disconnect the tie rod end from the knuckle, remove the pinch bolt that retain the strut to the knuckle. Do not remove immediatly the 3 nuts at the top of the strut ( just loose them). It could me necessary to soak with loose nut or PB Blaster the strut where it is attached to the knuckle. I have used a long pry bar to press down the lower arm which make the strut unstick from the knuckle. And after just remove the 3 upper nuts and remove the strut from the van. I have replaced both side the same way without problem. You can also take a look on the Autozone site like the other guy has recommanded.

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by catvents

I did the job a year ago ( same reason, broken coil spring plus destroy a new Bridgestone tire) You do not have to compress the spring, disconnect the tie rod end from the knuckle, remove the pinch bolt that retain the strut to the knuckle. Do not remove immediatly the 3 nuts at the top of the strut ( just loose them). It could me necessary to soak with loose nut or PB Blaster the strut where it is attached to the knuckle. I have used a long pry bar to press down the lower arm which make the strut unstick from the knuckle. And after just remove the 3 upper nuts and remove the strut from the van. I have replaced both side the same way without problem. You can also take a look on the Autozone site like the other guy has recommanded.

That's a pretty good explanation though.

Getting the strut off the upright/knuckle is hard on my strut type set ups. Once you have the pinch bolt loose, or even removed, it's just a matter of using enough force to separate everything.

[phil-l]

I replaced the struts in my '00 Windstar. I consider it a reasonable job for a modestly experienced DIYer.

I used a spring compressor to help smooth removing the strut - but it can be done without the compressor.

Personally, I don't think installing a used strut is worth it: New struts don't cost that much. I know many on this site like the quick-strut units that already come with the spring installed. However, I bought plain struts and moved the original springs to the new strut - and didn't think it was that difficult. You would need a spring compressor to do this (the basic Harbor Freight compressor works fine; it's often on sale for $10). I'll also note that an impact wrench helps smooth this job.

Pics of my strut replacement project:

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/560513401mTnRfu

[Northdan]

Thank you for all your answers!

Got the job done, thanks!
Hard to pry the strut out of the knuckle like mentioned and did not need to compress the spring witch was my big concern but i still did put binders on it just as a precaution.

phil-l
Saw your pics before (nice!) but was not sure about the compression part!!

catvents
Fortunately, my spring did not bust my tire, don't know what happened!

Thanks

[harryvil]

Originally Posted by Northdan

Thank you for all your answers!

Got the job done, thanks!
Hard to pry the strut out of the knuckle like mentioned and did not need to compress the spring witch was my big concern but i still did put binders on it just as a precaution.

phil-l
Saw your pics before (nice!) but was not sure about the compression part!!

catvents
Fortunately, my spring did not bust my tire, don't know what happened!

Thanks

After that, did you have an alignment