Strut Replacement??

[pitteach]

I'm getting nasty outside tire wear on the fronts and the front wheels look as though they are angled in at the top. I also have been getting dull clunk from the front end when going over bumps. Is this a sign of struts gone bad?

2000 LX 95k mi

Thanks.

[RickMN]

If you're on the original struts, you're already overdue for replacement with 95 on the clock. Strut mfgrs say every 50K. But 80K is more realistic. Anything after that you're getting into a safety area. See my strut article on my blog: http://free-auto-repair-advice.blogs...o-when-to.html

[busboy4]

Hi
I have done struts on my '96 and it is an involved job but not too awful. And now you can buy a "pre-loaded" strut with the spring in place such that it becomes a simpler remove/replace task. No longer do you have to use the spring compressor and swap out the springs. Of course the pre-loaded are a bit more expensive but you end up with a total rebuild i.e. strut, spring, bearing.

[pitteach]

I've done some research on the Quick Strut assembly and it is definitely the way to go--all included and easy to install. I just wanted to make sure this was my issue before I just go changing out parts. I realize now that they are a part of general maintenance and should be replaced anyhow.

BTW: the cheapest I found the QUick Strut was at strutmaster.com ($180 shipped). ROck Auto is very reasonable compared to Advance Auto ($225).

Thanks.

[wiswind]

I had Monroe "Quck Struts" installed on my '96 with 1853 miles on the original struts/springs/etc.
I am happy with them so far.

When the shop did mine....they needed to apply heat to the bolts at the "sway bar links" and, as the links are plastic.....they needed replacement as well.

Another common source of "clunk" in the front suspension is where the radial arm mounts into the front subframe.
The mounts break loose and "clunk"
When you go to change your oil......that big nut by the oil filter is what I am talking about.

I have a couple of pictures posted at the end of my pictures that I have labeled a few parts on.