Shocks/strut replacement

[jackmalone2001]

Hello to All!

How do I replace my front shock/struts? Can someone give me DETAILED instructions?

I have a 1994 Chevy Camaro, 3.4l V-6, a fair set of tools, two jack-stands and the willingness to get to work!

As always, thank you all for your help!

Jack

[wrightz28]

Well Jack, since no-one is giving DETAILED instructions, I'll give you the basic gist.

You need a Macpherson strut coil spring compressor (and maybe a tie rod seperator).

The basic raise and support vehicle (DO NOT use the control arm of which you are working on.)

remove tire(s)

some applications you may have to remove the brake assembly (I never have)

Also, some applications require the tie rod or especially strut rod be disconnected.

Loosen the strut pinch bolt(s) at the strut base. This where your going to get a workout if you don't have a impact gun. Even with a gun, it would not be a bad idea to heat that baby up and shock the threads a couple of times.

Once those are backed off significantly but not removed, remove the 3 small retaining nuts on the strut tower.

Remove the pnch bolt(s) at the base and separte the pinch clamp on the hub/knuckle assembly to free the strut (takes some flinagling)

That's the easy part

From here, examine the upper strut bearing for cracked casing, free movement, broken tabs, anything.My :Given the age of car, I would seriously look into a loaded strut assembly This includes, strut, spring, bearing, the whole nine yards and then you don't have mess around with compressing the spring.

If you are fiesty and just want to replace the stut:

Compress the coil spring slowly until the bearing plate has no spring tesionon it. Then remove the retaining nut (note how far threaded on it is):

impact, fire away but make sure the strut shaft isn't spinning in the housing.

manual workout, one wrench to turn the nut and another to hold the top of the strut shaft.

Swap strut, and reinstoll the nut as close as possible to the original thread depth.

In a nutshell that's pretty detailed.

[jackmalone2001]

I knew I could count on you, Wrightz28!

Thanks!

[wrightz28]

No prob.

I know you just did your brakes so no need to really look at em hard (verify wear tho) , but now would also be a good time to inspect tie rods and ball joins.