Strut replacement

867 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by JC316, Nov 12, 2005

SEVILLE 85

Discussion Starter · Nov 12, 2005

my 98 SLS has 100000 mile now and seems to be a little loose in the front when going over bumps. I think new struts would fix this I have never changed struts before and would like to do this myself as I have more tools and time than money has anyone done this themselves before and what problems should I be looking for. I expect my Helms manual any day any help would be appreciated SEVILLE 85

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JC316

· #2 · Nov 12, 2005

It is pretty simple really. Three nuts in the engine compartment strut mount, one connector, and two main bolts that attach to the wheel. The hard part is finding struts for less than $800 bucks a piece. You have three options
1. Get screwed at the stealership and keep your ride control
2. Buy some cheapo struts, lose you ride control, and ignore the check suspension message.
3. Buy some struts that have a resistor to stop the suspension message, but you will still lose the ride control.

Afterwards you are going to have to get a front end alignment

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MacKiNBacK

· #3 · Nov 12, 2005

Is some kind of tool to compress the spring needed? I dont have bad struts, but the upper front strut bearing is bad. Dealer wants something like $600 including the alingment. But it looks somewhat easy except the spring.

MacK

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tremor12

· #4 · Nov 12, 2005

JC316 said:
It is pretty simple really. Three nuts in the engine compartment strut mount, one connector, and two main bolts that attach to the wheel. The hard part is finding struts for less than $800 bucks a piece. You have three options
1. Get screwed at the stealership and keep your ride control
2. Buy some cheapo struts, lose you ride control, and ignore the check suspension message.
3. Buy some struts that have a resistor to stop the suspension message, but you will still lose the ride control.

Afterwards you are going to have to get a front end alignment

Or:

4. Buy some Monroes, take the solenoids out of the stock struts, plug them back into the harness. No messages, no problems.

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tremor12

· #5 · Nov 12, 2005

MacKiNBacK said:
Is some kind of tool to compress the spring needed? I dont have bad struts, but the upper front strut bearing is bad. Dealer wants something like $600 including the alingment. But it looks somewhat easy except the spring.

MacK

Spring compressor is required, but you can pick them up for under $20 at Harbor Freight or rent them for free from major auto parts stores. Be careful when using them, there is a LOT of energy in compressed springs.

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JC316

· #6 · Nov 12, 2005

Spring compressor? My 95 dosen't have springs, just the electric strut. I thought that was the reason they were so expensive. Is the 98 different?

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tremor12

· #7 · Nov 12, 2005

JC316 said:
Spring compressor? My 95 dosen't have springs, just the electric strut. I thought that was the reason they were so expensive. Is the 98 different?

Ummmm... look again... you've got springs.

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JC316

· #8 · Nov 12, 2005 (Edited)

Yep you are right. Funny, I had the entie subframe out and never noticed that it had springs. It is my Lincoln that dosen't have a spring, it has an airbag. I work on too many cars.

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