Was wondering if anyone attempted to replace strut mounts on the front without taking the strut off (the bottom two bolts).

Don't feel like getting another alignment that I just did, and I need to replace just the top, since the strut is fairly new Tokico...

I know you can take off the the strut bolt at the top, and then slightly lift the side of the car with the jack, so it will take the spring pressure off, just wondering if anyone done this?

Comments appreciated.

 

It's not like the bolts at the bottom are adjustable or have elongated bolt holes. I would remove the entire strut assembly, its easier to work on and safer! Is your death or injury worth the cost of another alignment? Invest into a lifetime alignment they work out great to our benefit. Remove them and you be fine I've done this repeatly with the same assembles and my alignment was never compromised. GL

 

PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS! Dont take this wrong but, your reasoning is stupid this has total failure all over it. Not only is it very unsafe but would probably take twice as long and your work space will be comprimised. With that being said I would not be suprised at all if it has be attempted or even done before.


Oh yeah I totally support the post above Good luck and BE SAFE!

 

You cannot lift the car high enough to relieve the spring pressure.

Doesn't work.

An alignment is ~70 bucks, have it checked after you remove suspension components.

 

BTW. Removing the front struts will probably not change your alignment anyway.

 

Not that I'm a big fan of Firestone, but they have a lifetime alignment deal for about $100. I've had my wifes minivan there 4 times (she seems to find giant potholes) and they have never grumbled.

Sure they always look for something wrong, but if they find it (once had a bent tie rod) I will tell them I will replace it myself and then take it back.

They have been okay so far.

 

How will your alignment not be affected by removing the entire front strut/spring assembly? I'm sure there is some tolerance in the bolt holes that allow for movement.
I also am considering new top strut mounts since I didn't do that when I installed the coilovers.

Will there be a noticeable difference in ride with the new mounts/bushings? The car has nearly 150,000 miles.

And any recommended places to get new top mounts; OEM replacement or aftermarket?

 

FWIW, I replaced my springs and struts (went to Eibachs and KYB's) and had my alignment checked after. They said it was still within spec and I didn't need one.

 

I agree.

I've never replaced mine. I was too cheap to do it when replacing my struts and springs and now I regret it (like many people said I would). Many people recommend OEM once. I think there is some fitment issues with some aftermarket ones, like the ones from NAPA.

 

Yes, there certainly is. But this tolerance allows the alignment to fall back into the acceptable range, assuming there are no worn or bent suspension components. Remember, there is no provision on the stock struts to adjust the camber/caster anyhow.

 

So several people can confirm that they've removed the complete strut/spring assembly (changing top mounts) and re-installed without knocking a correct alignment out-of-spec.???

Thank You

 

the mounts on my 97 went bad and I replaced them. When I took the car in for an alignment, the alignment was OK.