I have a sunfire and the shocks are starting to get noisy so I figure they'll need some replacing soon. I can do engine work no problem but suspension is another story. What all is involved in changing the shocks/struts? Are there any special tools I will need or am i better off just spending the cash and taking it somewhere?
2006-07-13 17:59:40 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If you can do engine work, you can change the suspension. Check your service manual and follow the directions. Good luck.
2006-07-13 18:03:28 · answer #1 · answered by a 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Struts can be a b itch. Take it in and save your knuckles. Front-end work like this is nothing but special tools and measurements to put it all back. Plus those guys know the tricks to skip over the what-do-I-do now moments us DIY mechanics often have.
2006-07-14 01:04:31 · answer #2 · answered by Steve D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can do it!!! :) jack/jackstands...sockets. but the thing is...do you have struts, or shocks? if struts, are you planning to change the whole strut (coils and shock) or just the shock part? if you have struts, and only replacing the shock part, then you need to rent a spring compressor (go to autozone, put down a deposit). doing this yourself can be dangerous..if you don't compress the spring properly...it goes BOING!!! and hopefully doesn't maime you, your buddy, or something valueable.
2006-07-14 01:05:57 · answer #3 · answered by Ryan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they are really struts... which mean they are under compression and it is dangerous to unblot them if you don;t know what you are doing... it's not really all that hard though... pick up a Haynes or Chilton manual and it will tell you. Auto Zone should have the loaner tools to compress them.
2006-07-14 01:04:29 · answer #4 · answered by evalmonk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whenthe struts are removed it is tough to get the wheel allignment back into specs. but they can be close with the proper tools and guage.
2006-07-14 01:08:39 · answer #5 · answered by Robert F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unless you have someone to help and have alot of strength it might be tough. when you buy the shocks/ struts they should have a instruction sheet but you may want to buy a repair book for your make model and year of your car
2006-07-14 01:43:15 · answer #6 · answered by trisomy11q 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not check some of your local Oil Change Stations, they also change shocks and they do not charge a arm and a leg.
PGBISME
2006-07-14 01:02:46 · answer #7 · answered by PGBISME 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i suggest you let a professional do it so you dont hurt yourself or mess up the car somehow
its much eaiser too
2006-07-14 01:02:58 · answer #8 · answered by bensonl00 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋