When to buy new struts?

[RLeav20717]

Just curious on when struts start to go bad, and symptoms that a change is needed...i have an 01 grand am se (2.4L), im almost at 75k miles, so i was just curious to what it might need very soon...also if i might need additional parts/services,just recently got a tune up, and also a fuel system service cleaning (which really helps my MPG btw)...thanks


thanks

[GTP Dad]

Struts go bad at various times and it is not always mileage related. If you notice that handling is getting poor of if you start hearing noise when you go over a bump then you may want to have the struts replaced. Usually they are good for at least 100K miles but it depends on the roads you drive and what kind of abuse you give the car. As for the other maintenace items, you may want to have the transmission filter and fluid changed especially if it smells burnt or is brown in color. Do not have the transmission flushed as it could do more damage than good. Brakes are also another consideration if you have never had them changed, get them checked as they probably need a replacement. A new air filter goes a long way on increasing fuel economy too!

[meti]

GTP dad is right but I was wondering why not flush the trans fluid???
I had that done on my 01 3.4 GA when i got to 62k....Just wondering why wouldnt u want the machanics to flush it when they change it???

for basic services when you get to 75k would be spark plugs, ignition wires, performance air filter and just basic cleaning in sensors and so on...

good luck!

[tightwad]

How hard are the struts to replace? Any special tools required?

I am pretty sure mine are going bad, and if I figure out the other glitch it would be worth replacing them.

Trans flushes bring mixed feelings in general. Usually you want to either do them regularly, or not at all. At some point it will have to be done(the fluid breaks down etc.)

[GTP Dad]

Struts require special compressors to hold the springs in place while you remove the nut that holds the strut in place. You can rent them at Autozone just make sure you get the ones with locks on them to prevent he springs from slipping and possibly injuring someone. They can also be hard to remove from the vehicle as the bolts that hold them in especially the ones in the rear can be difficult to get to. You will also need an alignment after you have the struts replaced.
As for the trans flush. On older transmissions the flush can ofter remove particles that would otherwise not float in the fluid. When they are broken loose they will cause extreme wear and the clutch packs and bands will often go bad rapidly. Everyone I have known with a high mileage transmission that has flushed the transmission has had to replace it within 10K miles. If yo usimply drain the fluid and replace the filter this does not occur and the transmission will continue to work normally.

[tightwad]

I agree with you on the trans flushes. I spent 6.5 years in the automotive aftermarket selling parts to shops. I have seen and heard both ends of the spectrum. I had mine done at 117,000 assumably for the first time. it helped a bit, and didn't seem to adversely affect my performance.

I have known people to have the opposite effect. Trannys seem to go bad very soon afterwords. In many cases they changed the fluid because they were having problems. After changing the fluid(which didn't solve the problem) they soon had failures. Hard to know if the failure would have happened otherwise. I always suggest people follow the manufactorers guidlines, especially since warranties are being extended so much lately.