97 (3.1) Grand Am struts

[luapsided]

Plan A : First, I was wondering where I could find a pair of struts where everything comes pre-assembled(w/ spring so there is no need for coil compression) . I see some but they all seem for newer vehicles.

Plan B: Getting a spring compressor and doing the job with your simple strut w/o preassembled spring. How is this job? It doesn't seem bad to me and I even watched a couple how to videos. Do I really need to do any torquing? Or any other info would be great. Thanks for your time!

[INDY86]

Quick struts are available for your car from Rockauto made by Delco. They run about $400 a pair. Or replace what you need and save some bucks. I worked on my struts this fall and with the help of loaner tools from Advance it went pretty smooth. You will have to pay attention to torque values for the tower nuts/bolt,bolts to steering knuckle,tie rod end,and nut on top of strut mount.
www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116320
Check this link for some pictures.

[xeroinfinity]

Yeah INDY86 thats not the best one of the spring compressors but will work. Just have to make sure you secure the spring compressors pins/nuts that hold them!
Could lose a tooth(if not your head) if they come loose.

Also noticed INDY86, your 2000 GA has steal lower control arms !?

Thats odd because both my 99 GA SE and 99 GA GT hav/had machined aluminum ones.

But yes torque specs are essential on your cars suspension!
Something comes loose, you could get into troubles.

[luapsided]

Well its been a month or two since, but I finally just bought a preassembled strut for my drivers side(front). Well actually i got the part and it didn't fit(bolts didn't line up on top), but I won't get into that for now. So basically there are two bigger bolts to get knock out on the bottom of the strut and another on the bottom that just holds/braces a brake line. Then of course there are the top 3(under the hood) to remove. And finally. Ahh finally there was the Tie rod? I had a hell of a time trying to get this free. What is the easiest way to do this? Im slowly learning so bare with me if I am a little unsure of some parts Theres a safety pin you need to take out then you unscrew the nut. Then I had a hell of a time from there....
The little rubber boot that is on the end of this, how important is this? I did notice a tear in it (not sure if I did it or not) and wondered if I should do something about it when I get my new new preassembled strut? If so how easy is this to change out? Or what is the part called? I thank anyone in advance and I really hope for all the help in the world. Im trying to get the car ready for sale, and don't want to sell something I wouldn't by myself... Thanks again!

[xeroinfinity]

if youre talking about this..



Best way is to heat the nut and use two wrenches.
One to hold the haft and the other on the nut.

If the tie rod isnt sloppy lose you can buy a replacement boot to cover it, but it all probley will need repalced.

[luapsided]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

if youre talking about this..



Best way is to heat the nut and use two wrenches.
One to hold the haft and the other on the nut.

If the tie rod isnt sloppy lose you can buy a replacement boot to cover it, but it all probley will need repalced.

NO actually it was where the outter tie rod end connects to the strut itself. Had to remove a safety pin, then unscrew the nut. Then I guess theres a jaw tool or something like it that breaks the strut and tie rod end apart. Ill probably just buy a new tie rod end since Im at it.