mbcp_tdogg

Sorry guys if this thread is a repeat but the only instructions that I found was for a 4th gen and I didn't see it in the sticky.

Just looking for directions w/pics on how to change out struts/springs for the 5th gen Max. I would definitely like to learn how to drop my car myself so that I can save some $$$ and get to know my Max's innerworkings better.

Anyone dropping their cars anytime soon here in SoCal, maybe I can meet up and be your padawan (Star Wars).

punkdork

You gotta do this with someone who has done springs before. The first time I did it with my friend it took us about 8 hours (no air tools and no lift). I did struts this weekend with Tim's help and it still took 4-5 hours.

The short of it is:

For rear:

1. Jack up rear end of car and put it on jackstands (or use a lift).
2. Remove the rear wheels.
3. Remove the trunk liner.
4. There are 3 bolts on top of each strut. They can be found where the trunk meets the back seat.
5. Figure out some way to remove them (I used 2 socket extensions together. They are 14mm. Remove the outter 2 bolts, leaving the one in the center.
6. Remove the larg bolt connecting the strut to the axle (will need a breaker bar or equivalent).
7. Compress the spring.
8. Remove the top hat (thats the middle bolt).
9. If you are replacing springs, compress the new spring and then put it back on the strut.
10. Do steps 1-9 in reverse.

For front:

1. Jack up front end of car and put it on jackstands (or use a lift).
2. Remove the front wheels.
3. Slightly loosen the center bolt on top of each strut.
4. Undo the 3 bolts around top of each strut.
5. Undo the two big bolts at the bottom of the strut (will need a breaker bar or equivalent).
6. Remove all the brake line clips from the bottom of the strut (there is a total of 3).
7. Remove the strut assembly from the car.
8. Compress the spring.
9. Remove the top hat (thats the middle bolt).
10. If you are replacing springs, compress the new spring and then put it back on the strut.
11. Do steps 1-10 in reverse.

mbcp_tdogg

Man! You live too far punkdork. Thanks for the instructions...on paper they look understandable but I agree that I'll definitely need to work with someone that's done it before. Does anyone have pics of the install? Anyone in SoCal planning to dropping their 5th gen's soon?