I have changed shocks on older cars and found the process straight forward, but I've never done struts. Do I have to remove anything other that the wheel/tire to do the job? Do I need any special tools? Does anyone know of a step-by-step on the web? Thanks!
2006-10-06 07:18:29 · 9 answers · asked by John L 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I'd get someone at a shop to do it.They have a strut spring compressor that is safer than the one you would probably use. Also they have impact wrenches which makes getting the big nut off the top alot easier because if you do it by hand the strut tube in the center is gonna turn with the nut and not come off. But if you really want to do it yourself here it goes
1. Put car up on jackstand supporting it by the frame. Not the control arms.
2.Remove tires.
3. Remove any wires or cables from the strut. They sometimes have guide holes or clamps attached to it holding brake lines And AbS wires from hanging loose.
3. Mark where the strut is attached by the two bolts that bolt it to the steering knuckle. This is done to attempt to get every thing straight or close to where it was so you don't throw the camber out for your alignment.
4. Put a jack under the lower control arm, and put the control arm under a little pressure. This will keep everthing from falling when you take out the 2 bolts from the Bottom of the strut, and the top nuts off of the top of the strut tower under the hood.
5.Remove the bolts from the bottom. You'll need 2 wrenches. One for oneside of the bolt. and one for the nut on the otherside.
6.Remove the nuts from the top.Then lower the jack slowly.
7. Remove strut.
8. Use a strut spring comressor the compress the strut spring.
9.Once compressed enough. This is the hard part with out an Impact wrench.
loosen the Big nut on the top.You'll have to figure out a way to keep the tube from turning with the nut .
10.After you get the big nut off. Slowly and I mean slowly unclamp the strut spring clamps. If your not dead yet.
11.Replace the strut. Line the spring up correctly In the craddle of the new strut and make sure the rubber spacers that the spring sits in are in.
12.Then just reverse the procedure. Make sure the bottom of the strut lines up with the marks you made. You might want to have a Chilton's or Haynes manual handy for a reference.
Repeat this whole procedure for the other side.
2006-10-06 07:51:50 · answer #1 · answered by whtsthislif4 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Caravan Struts
2016-12-18 09:11:14 · answer #2 · answered by vaibahv 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you have money in your wallet or a credit card. Take the car to a repair shop. Call for a ride. Later go pick up the car/van. Enjoy !!!
OK, my point is that this is nothing like changing shocks. You have to compress the spring that is on the strut. You can't do that at home because you need special tools for that. If you can find a shop that will do tha part for you, then you can do the rest of the work on your own.
First buy the struts, second mark each of the... never-mind this is something you will probably mess up on if you have never seen anybody do it before. Have a repair shop do it. Good Luck!
2006-10-06 07:35:01 · answer #3 · answered by bliden 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is considerably more to it than just removing a wheel and a nut or two, not to mention you'll need an alignment once it is done unless you have a bubble level. Also, without a spring compressor you stand the chance of taking your head off once you remove the strut tower nut. Leave it to a professional with the right equiptment.
2006-10-06 07:31:05 · answer #4 · answered by jerry4_fun 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you need a spring compressor.. its best to have someone at least install the springs onto the struts... It can be dangerous !!! These vehicle also have a tendency to rust out the tops of the crowns where the struts mount... These must be repaired properly or you'll have your strut coming out the hood !!! and possibly loose control when it happens... Chrysler should be forced to repair these vehicles at no charge to the owners!!!
2006-10-06 07:29:39 · answer #5 · answered by frank26694 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just changing the brake pads isn't hard to do. Make sure you don't get greasy fingerprints on the friction surfaces and be careful not to damage the brake lines when you have the calipers removed. But if you need rotors, it could be bad if they're rusted on. It took me 2 hours of beating with a BIG hammer and a whole can of liquid wrench penetrating oil and a large hub puller to get the rotors off of my son's car. It was the worst I've ever done. (and I've done a LOT of brake jobs.) If you know someone who's done it before, have them there with you in case you have any questions or run into trouble....especially since you've never done it before. Also be safe...NEVER work on a car supported only by a jack. You should have jack stands under the vehicle in the correct position to properly support it.
2016-03-18 05:50:59 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The book calls for about 4.2 hours to replace the front struts on this vehicle. You will need a set of spring compressors to keep the springs compressed while you have the strut off the vehicle. You should be able to buy a maintance book (haynes, or chiltons) at your local auto parts store and it will describe everything step be step for you.
2006-10-06 07:33:33 · answer #7 · answered by Zenas Walter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Compared to the cars you have worked on before, yes, it is hard and, yes, you need special tools. When you buy the new struts, there are instructions that come with. By the way, if you try and back-yard mechanic the job with home made tools, there is a good chance you will be seriously hurt
2006-10-06 07:23:40 · answer #8 · answered by rex_rrracefab 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you do not have a strut compressor do not attempt. If you remove the top nut the full force of the spring will let loose and you will get hurt. This is a job for the professional with the right equipment.
2006-10-06 07:25:45 · answer #9 · answered by Dave 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
about a 8 on the10 scale :(
2006-10-06 07:21:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋