I plan on replacing my front struts tomorrow...and was wondering if there are any tips you folks would have on doing this... I see in the manual that I have to remove the mounting bolts on the lower side stabilizer rod...and then remove the mounting bolts on the upper side of the stabilizer rod...then separate the link from the steering knuckle...
Are there any "gotcha's" I need to watch out for doing this?

TIA

MP-In-The-Wind

 

Only real pain is the lower mounting bolt that's torqued to like 130 ft lbs IIRC. It's easier to break free if you have an open end wrench to put on the back side of the bolt (I think it's a 19mm again, IIRC) Are you getting your new front set loaded w/ springs? If not, then compressing and swapping out the springs to the new shocks is a bit time consuming and you should have an impact driver to torque down the spring compressor that you loan out from Autozone or similar shop. Be sure to grease those bolt threads real well on the spring compressor.

 

Thanks BLNEWT.... I've got a big breaker bar and a pipe (just in case)... The new set is not loaded with springs...so yeah...I'm going to have some fun compressing/decompressing the springs! 8^0 I will grease the spring compressor!
Thanks,
MP-In-The-Wind

 

Yo BLNEWT....I'm done putting in the struts/springs. Thanks...you were NOT kidding about that lower bolt! LOTS of pulling to get that free!

Thanks,
MP-In-The-Wind

 

Glad to hear you're back on the road, hopefully all the skin on your knuckles is still intact

 

Surprisingly, I didn't bleed at all during this project! THAT'S a first! ;^)

 

Did you change out bushings spring pads and other rubber mounts

 

What about changing out the rear shocks? Given the age of the car it's a good idea to do both to retain proper suspension balance/function.

 

Surfnazi: I reused the bushings and other rubber mounts...all looked good.

Jsolo: I did change out the rear struts & springs...thanks!

 

I just do it since its apart already