Front Struts '98 GP

[proscroby]

I received a free alignment check from GM today and they informed me that my front struts are leaking and need to be replaced. Their cost is $391.95CAN + tax. Should I use GM replacement parts?

[tblake]

What I did....

-bought a set of GM struts, I think they were around 200 bucks USD combined.
-removed the old struts and springs as an assembly from the car.
-Took the new struts and mounts and old strut assemblies to my local repair shop
-Dropped everything off there, came home, had lunch, and came back an hour later.
-My mechanic switched the struts and mounts out with his spring compressor. It only costed me 20.00 to have them switched out.
-Brought them home and slapped them in

It was WAY cheaper than paying someone to do the whole job for me. Plus I didnt have to go rent a spring compressor and sit there and wrench down the springs and risk losing a finger with those crappy rental spring compressors.

[grandprixgtx00]

i agree with Bnaylor, i would do what he did if you dont have access to a spring compressor, and you have basic knowledge of DIY car repairs.

as far as using GM replacement parts...it depends on what type of GP you have. if you have a GT/GTP, i would stick with OEM since they have the "performance suspension" package, however with the SE...you could prolly get by with the cheaper struts, thats what i did with my SE. however everyone has their own opinions on that of course.

[grandprixgtx00]

oops...i meant tblake...not bnaylor

for some reason my edit button still wont work!