I replaced my struts already with some Gabriels. (yeah I know). When I got this Max, the struts were so bad the car bounced everywhere. Gabriels were all I can budget at the time. Well the Gabriels are horrible! The car still bottoms out when it shouldn't. I think I am going to go with KYB. However, there were rubber sleeve looking things on the struts when I pulled the OEM ones off. I am guessing they are bump stops? Mine were so rotted that I threw them out. Where do I get more? I need to do the strut mounts too.

 

pepboys, autozone, napa, dealer, internetautomart, forum just to name a few. They're not that hard or expensive to come by, I was just surprised that you didn't get one with the KYB. GL.

 

so the struts usually come with that rubber piece?

 

No,the bump stops are a separate item..you can find the bump stops/strut bellows at most major auto parts stores for about $20 per strut.

 

Personally, I'd get tokicos over the KYBs even though I can actually compete on KYB pricing again (need to update the site though)

 

this sounds like it is getting expensive fast, struts + mounts + bump stops + alignment

 

cars aren't supposed to be cheap.

 

go buy a new(er) car,after you make the first months payment,you could have bought new struts/mounts/bump stops and an alignment.

 

i know it just needs motor mounts and a paint job and struts and...... I'll just start tackling things one paycheck at a time and get it all done.

 

Look at the KYB site. They make bump stops for the front and another for the rear shocks.

 

Are RACEKO struts good? Those are $160 and KYB's are $200. It's a daily driver what should I get? I had a pretty good pull to the right and now with the new tires it seems to be gone; weird. I just got some "new" tires and I want or need to get brakes.

 

Stay away from the generic/no name brand struts...

List of the best according to quality/price..

1. Koni reds./about $600,but they are the best.

2. Tokico./About $300,the oem struts were made by this company.

3. KYB,meh,ok..but a little soft from what i hear..

 

Looking at your list I'd get some Tokico's but I have to replace so much stuff on my max that every dollar counts lol. Being the broke, cheap *** college student that I am, I'll go with the cheaper stuff because it's better than what I have. My car bobs all over like a boat. I'll get the kyb's. Just out of curiosity are those cheaper struts crap or just no name stuff?

 

Hey, I survived on Cup of Noodles ($.25) for 3 months to get my computer and paid rent when I was dorming at my University. If I can do it, you can too.

Can you get Koni from Autozone?

 

lol..nope..

http://www.shox.com/

 

I already ordered the kyb's, I hope I get them before I move.

 

I was going to get an alignment but do I have to wait till my new struts are in before doing that?

 

yes

 

you don't HAVE too, but you will want to do it again once the struts are in.

 

is there a website that gives step-by-step instructions on how to replace my struts? Also, will I need to get my aligment done once I do this?

 

You should have an alignment when doing suspension work. I have my kyb's in my room too. http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm

http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm

 

http://autozone.com/home.htm
Good luck with the KYB's. They work for me. You'll notice slightly better handling, slightly stiffer ride, good all around.

 

arrg u beat me

 

I've got rear tokicos in my garage still.

 

related point: when replacing the struts yourself, obviously you have to use spring compressors to remove the springs. Are the dual "pincher screw" types safe and easy to use?

 

I used the double screw type with meaty hooks on either end. Be very careful doing this and make sure the hooks are NOT slipping or moving as you tighten. I bought some cheap Harbor Frieght ones and they stripped before I got to the last spring so I had to go out to Sears and buy real ones. The fronts require you to tighten them until the part of the spring that is in the compresser almost touches. Then the top spring mount is still touching the spring, but with some force you can move it. You just must push down on the spring mount during assembly to get it to to point where you can spin on the bolt.

 

You can rent spring compressors from auto zone/advance and other places. You just pay about $50 or so and when you return the tools you get it all back. So its pretty much free.

~Alex

 

I want one of these..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Mt1UBTp0zk









The machine also..

 

If you're using J hook strut compressors, I suggest putting a vice grip on on the spring where the compressor sits so the compressor doesnt slide around. Its safer if you ask me.

 

Hmmm the part that hooks the spring looked flimsy. We have a spring compressor at the shop that isn't electric and the parts that hook on the spring are big meaty things. And shouldnt she keep the guard down while the spring is compressed?

 

yeah!
a girl in a short skirt to mechanic my car!
I want one,too!

she really knows how to strut her stuff!!!