strut question

casinonut531 · #1 05-08-2004, 04:59 PM

I was just wondering if it was possibe to replace all 4 struts by yourself???? I was not sure if this was possible, but if it is how difficult is it???????? And where would I find out how to do it???????

Ripn12s · #2 05-08-2004, 05:35 PM

Very easy to do. Takes about a day by yourself to do it.

You'll need spring compressors to remove the springs. I bought a set of spring comp. from Harbor Freight for 8 bucks.

http://www.blairlee.com/grandprix/mo...ndsprings.html
http://rmcgp.clubgp.com/struts.html
http://www.blairlee.com/grandprix/mo...ndsprings.html

GhostLake · #3 05-09-2004, 03:10 AM

Saw in one of your other posts that you drive a late 80s Grand Prix. The best, and maybe only way, to remove the front strut cartidges is with a GM W-body strut tool. AutoZone will loan one with an ~$80 deposit. You might put some marks on the strut mount cover and tower. If they don't line up when your done I believe the alignment will be off. If you go to the autozone.com site, you can enter your vehicle info and they have a free repair guide online thats pretty good.

kilroypr · #4 05-09-2004, 10:41 AM

Good links Ripn12s

GTP Dad · #5 05-11-2004, 12:31 PM

This job can be done if you have the proper equipment. Make sure that you get a compressor specifically for Struts. A normal spring compressor will slip and if it does can cause serious bodily harm. Good Luck!

JoeJoe231455 · #6 05-11-2004, 04:03 PM

Do not aim the springs at yourself or anything you care about when your compressing\decompressing them. If by some chance they do come loose the impact CAN kill you or dent the bejesus out of a door.

casinonut531 · #7 05-11-2004, 06:47 PM

Ok thanks everyone, after some deap thinking I dicited that I would rather just take the car in and have it done by someone who knows what they are doing, I love my car but not enough to get hurt over it....

rockford0384 · #8 05-11-2004, 09:37 PM

i did all 4 struts and lowering springs in like 1 hour and 45 minutes in my driveway. Didnt have a spring compressor at all. did it the dangerous way...tiedown with ratchets to compress the springs. (used 2 on the front) (the rear where not that strong) But all i needed was the mounts so i didnt even care (ended up having to replace them they where ripped(rubber)) The lowering springs helped out a lot to put back together... just lined up and pushed down held with one hand and tighted the nut. (height Diff) thought you would like to know how i did it

Saved myself 250 dollars... by doing them myself

GhostLake · #9 05-12-2004, 10:44 PM

I don't get why everybody is recomending the removal of the springs. The rear end should only have the transverse leaf spring, which doesn't need to be removed at all, and the front you use a GM W-body strut tool to remove the strut cartridges. Unless casinonut actually wants to replace the whole front MacPherson strut assembly, there seems to be no need to remove the springs. Plus it would just be way overkill. Am I missing something?

casinonut531 · #10 05-12-2004, 10:49 PM

So what do you suggest I do Ghostlake. All I want to do is replace the struts, cause my car thunks really hard on the passangers rear tire when I go over bumps, so I just want to fix it.

JoeJoe231455 · #11 05-12-2004, 10:59 PM

I thought this was a 97+ gp, my bad.

Ripn12s · #12 05-13-2004, 05:28 AM

Ya, u didnt state what year car u had. I just thought 97+ GP as that is the main model talked about in this forum.

kilroypr · #13 05-14-2004, 06:25 PM

97 do not have leaf spring behind. The 90-95 W-Bodies do have the leaf spring no the later ones. And reading the thread never mentioned exactly the model year of your car.

Never the less RockFord0384 my dad had a budy that died doing something like what you did, next time at least get the compressors.

GhostLake · #14 05-15-2004, 05:37 AM

casinonut, I'd recommend that you go to autozone.com and read the instructions for your car- see if it sounds like something you'd feel like trying. A couple pointers though. You might get some penetrating lubricant. The strut cartridge nuts tend to really freeze up on these. To get the cartridge out you'll most likely need to remove the hood. Instead of doing that, I just prop the hood straight up after unhooking the hood strut supports. The instructions for the rear struts say to compress the leaf spring. I never had to do that. Seems like could remove them without compressing it. Don't recall too well now, it's been a few years since last did this. It would be best to get the alignment checked after doing this. Firestone has lifetime alignments. They're expensive but if you keep a car a long time like me, it could end up being worth it.

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