I am going to attempt to change my suspension without any help this time..I have changed it twice before with some help, but now I just want to go ahead and do it on my own. Would you advise this? Has anyone here changed it on their own without any problems?

Thanks

 

i wouldnt do it by myself, #1 takes 2x the time, #2 what are u going to do? use the jack and lift the car on each wheel everytime?

 

I do not care about taking 2x the time nor having to work one wheel at a time...I was going to do one wheel at a time anyhow.

However I just realised that I will definitely need the strength of someone else pushing down on the assembly when I go to re-assemble with the top nut.

 

I did it by myself... and with no air tools. Needless to say, it took a long time - but it wasn't too bad. There were a few instances where I could have used a little help but it is definately possible. I had to use spring compressors in a couple cases which took longer.

As long as you know what you're doing and don't mind spending a little extra time you should be fine

good luck

 

Since you're familar with it already it's farily simple. I swap my complete susp out twice a year now with occasional removals for maintenance.

Often I find gotcha's though - installing the strut mounts 180deg wrong, breaking strut mount bolt, assembly not easily fitting into where the strut knuckle bolts go requiring a hammer, RSB on causing too much pressure on rear when removing, and of course having to drive on a bad alignment to get it aligned.

Make sure your internet connection and the .org is live if you do need help.

 

Tell us what you're concerned about (doing the swap alone) and we'll give you tips on how to approach it. You mentioned holding everything down while taking off the top-nut. You should be using spring compressors anyways. If you don't have that, you can get away with creative methods.

What else are you worried about?

Jae

 

How can you not use spring compressors? You have to use them. Unless you know arnold personally. I've taken off front shocks in older cars, with the car compressing the spring, without the spring compressors, but don't know what you mean. In our maxima's struts, that won't work. I don't condone any dangerous DIY work, unless you know what you're doing like you've said.

I always used a friend, AFTER compressing the maxima's springs with spring compressors, to push down on the top of the spring to put the nut back on.

 

Arnold ain't got nothin on me...

I was using S-techs which are a lot shorter than stock springs - short enough that I was able to compress the spring with one hand and put the nut on with the other. You probably won't be able to do this alone if you use other springs. I did use the compressors to get the stock springs off because I didn't have air tools (there is a "safe" way to do this but if you don't know what you're doing then DON'T ATTEMPT IT)

Just use spring compressors and you'll be fine

 

it's up to you. I can do it no problem, but alot of people on here cant change the wiper blades on their cars without asking for a write up.

 

I figured you were using shorter springs if you didn't use compressors, and am PM'ing you for the safe way of uncompressing our OEM struts without a spring compressor. I'm actually just curious, since I tend to do things by the book if I don't know any better.

Hehe... my friend is arnold....I use air tools even with spring compressors....:P cuz im lazy. I put the thing together while my friend is grunting...lol.

 

That's what a spring compressor is for.

I've changed the lower control arms, drive axles, and struts by myself without much trouble - just don't drop the LCA on your mouth when you're under the car = chipped tooth.

Dave

 

Definitely use the spring compressors, you can borrow a set from most auto parts stores so you don't have to buy them.

Am in the middle of doing it myself, and as long as you've got the time, no need for a second person (though it would help...).

 

ahmen!


I have taken out my suspension so many times so its cake for me. but still 4 hands are always better.

 

i did all 4 corners by myself and it wasnt really that bad, it came apart kinda easy and i didnt need a spring compressor since i was using the ground controls which are very small

 

That was it. I was planning to use compressors...I guess we just do not use compressors to their full potential (we just use them to keep the stock spring from shooting out of the strut assembly when removing). Ill just compress the spring more and the top not should go on with ease then.

 

It seems from a lot of above posts that I was going to do this without compressors...definitely not an option for me.