replacing struts, what all parts do i need?

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Feb 7, 2011 | 07:42 PM
  #1  
i am replacing both struts (monroes) as well as strut mounts (moog). but i want to know what all do i need to or can i replace since i got the whole strut assembly out? gaskets bearings etc? ive heard to replace spring seats but is it needed? i got 89k on my car by the way. could someone just give me a list or prt # and description of what all i will need to replace as far as the strut assembly goes? thanks for the help.
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Feb 7, 2011 | 09:11 PM
  #2  
I actually am debating doing this on my step daughter's car because they charge a ton of labor. Do you think thus something that can be done without a lift?
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Feb 8, 2011 | 03:44 AM
  #3  
It's easy guys, all you need is a spring compressor.

I did this 2 years ago but theres only one thing I regret :

1- I didnt change the rubber spring seat. Now it's old and getting torn in pieces. (can we get just this part from the dealership?)

2- didnt change the boots, they were fine. Now they are cracked.

So basically, now I have to do the job again to change the spring seats and boots.... OEM boots dont seem to fit on KYB struts very well (or mine were already too dry and dont extend much?) So i'll try to order aftermarket boots.
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Feb 8, 2011 | 07:49 AM
  #4  
So basic tools and a spring compressor will do the job? Car jack and jacks stands are sufficient?
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Feb 8, 2011 | 04:52 PM
  #5  
If I were you I would google "replace struts how to". Pretty standard.
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Feb 8, 2011 | 06:02 PM
  #6  
I jus need someone to tell me what all parts i can replace. Ive tried googling it but i dont get any diagrams pr anything and seeing as this forum ia for 6th gens i figured it would be the right place to ask. Is there upper and lower spring seats? What bout seals of any sort? Thanks again.
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Feb 8, 2011 | 07:48 PM
  #7  
Check out this link it should be the same for your car. You will have to click donut your self and then strut replacement n


http://www.shiftice.com/suspension_noises.html
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Feb 9, 2011 | 10:42 AM
  #8  
I dnt need a section on gow to. I know how and i got the right equipment. I just need a list of all the things i will need to replace. What and how many. Like i said im using monroe sensatracs but what whats the boot part #? tgings like that, seals spring seats gaskets of any sort????
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Feb 9, 2011 | 11:26 AM
  #9  
I am replacing my struts next month at my friends garage he has a spring compressor on the wall etc..

Here's what I am replacing at 89K

-front and rear struts (KYB)
-boots (KYB)
-mounts (KYB)

All said and done I spent $300 ish - got front left and back left strut on advance auto shipped free for orders over $75 then used a coupon code (can't remember) that give you something like $30 off orders over $100 - made 2 separate orders and used both codes each time got a sweet deal on the struts shipped.

Mounts I got off amazon.. same for boots..

Other projects I am doing at the same time are.. spark plugs.. atf drain and fill.. and oil change.. going to be a long but revitalizing day for my car
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Feb 9, 2011 | 12:09 PM
  #10  
Those Coupon Codes for Advance Auto Online that you can use..

20% off with code P20
40% off with code LC123
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$10 off $30 w/coupon code ES123
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$20 off $50 w/coupon code ES123 / A123 / EMW25 / EM2
$24 off $60 w/coupon code LC123
$25 off $60 w/coupon code BIG25
$20 off $75 w/coupon code BIG20
$30 off $75 w/coupon code BIG30 / EMW37
$32 off $80 w/coupon code LC123
$35 off $85 w/coupon code BIG35
$40 off $100 w/coupon code BIG40 / LC123
$50 off $150 w/coupon code VISA
$50 off $200 w/coupon code BIG50

I used 40$ off $100 and used the free shipping on orders over $75

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Feb 9, 2011 | 02:02 PM
  #11  
Quote: I am replacing my struts next month at my friends garage he has a spring compressor on the wall etc..

Here's what I am replacing at 89K

-front and rear struts (KYB)
-boots (KYB)
-mounts (KYB)

All said and done I spent $300 ish - got front left and back left strut on advance auto shipped free for orders over $75 then used a coupon code (can't remember) that give you something like $30 off orders over $100 - made 2 separate orders and used both codes each time got a sweet deal on the struts shipped.

Mounts I got off amazon.. same for boots..

Other projects I am doing at the same time are.. spark plugs.. atf drain and fill.. and oil change.. going to be a long but revitalizing day for my car
In your opinion is this something that should attempted if you have never done it? So I have been calling around on my step daughters Lexus ES250 and they are quoting me $800-$900! Just seems if it is around $300 in parts $600 in labor seems like a lot.
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Feb 9, 2011 | 04:08 PM
  #12  
I just changed my front struts, swaybar bushings, swaybar links and rear shocks. You already mentioned strut mounts so the only other things I'd get are the rubber springs seats on the front and the swaybar links (which you may not need but would be nice to have on hand if you did). I did cheat and use a lift but I've done it before on jackstands, it just takes a little longer.
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Feb 9, 2011 | 05:48 PM
  #13  
Awesome response thanks. So far what thinking bout replace are struts, strut mounts , strut boots , spring seats ( but how many are there and what brand should i get?) shocks. I know the struts have somethig that goes on the strut mount, like a lil gasket or somethig. Do i need to replace that? I think its called an insulator. Is there anything else im missing? Sorry for all the qs im jus trying to do it right so i dont have to get back into it or worry bout anythig for awhile. Thanks



Quote: I just changed my front struts, swaybar bushings, swaybar links and rear shocks. You already mentioned strut mounts so the only other things I'd get are the rubber springs seats on the front and the swaybar links (which you may not need but would be nice to have on hand if you did). I did cheat and use a lift but I've done it before on jackstands, it just takes a little longer.
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Feb 9, 2011 | 06:59 PM
  #14  
`Stop talking about strut gaskets or I'll remove your teeth without numbing you.
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Feb 9, 2011 | 08:10 PM
  #15  
Quote: Awesome response thanks. So far what thinking bout replace are struts, strut mounts , strut boots , spring seats ( but how many are there and what brand should i get?) shocks. I know the struts have somethig that goes on the strut mount, like a lil gasket or somethig. Do i need to replace that? I think its called an insulator. Is there anything else im missing? Sorry for all the qs im jus trying to do it right so i dont have to get back into it or worry bout anythig for awhile. Thanks
The spring seat is just a piece of rubber that goes between the strut and the spring. Napa sells them and I'm sure other places do as well. That's the only gasket/seat/whatever you call it on the front. On the rear, most shocks will come with new mounting hardware and you'll just have to reuse the boot or replace it if you want. On the rear the shocks and springs are in seperate places so unless nothing is needed there unless you want to take the springs out and replace whatever kind of insulator they have.
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Feb 9, 2011 | 09:19 PM
  #16  
Quote: Those Coupon Codes for Advance Auto Online that you can use..

20% off with code P20
40% off with code LC123
$5 off $15 w/coupon code BIG5
$10 off $30 w/coupon code ES123
$15 off $40 w/coupon code BIG15
$16 off $40 w/coupon code LC123
$20 off $50 w/coupon code ES123 / A123 / EMW25 / EM2
$24 off $60 w/coupon code LC123
$25 off $60 w/coupon code BIG25
$20 off $75 w/coupon code BIG20
$30 off $75 w/coupon code BIG30 / EMW37
$32 off $80 w/coupon code LC123
$35 off $85 w/coupon code BIG35
$40 off $100 w/coupon code BIG40 / LC123
$50 off $150 w/coupon code VISA
$50 off $200 w/coupon code BIG50

I used 40$ off $100 and used the free shipping on orders over $75

Where did you find this lol?
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Feb 10, 2011 | 03:46 AM
  #17  
I have a cracked boot on my front right strut. changed it 2 years ago. Is it worth removing the strut and spring again and all this just to change the boot? Is it going to really reduce the life of the strut? I saw that it wasnt even properly sealed for 2 years already anyway ....?
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Feb 10, 2011 | 05:39 AM
  #18  
@dpeles1 - If you have never done it.. it's definitely do-able - I followed this guys guide it's very detailed and he explains the dangers of compressing your own springs (this is the hardest part imho) Otherwise everything else is about getting your car off the ground taking the wheels off etc..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEaevAxA8Gc (Part 1 of the video) Even if it's not your car it's chocked with some decent information to decide if this is a project you really want to go in on.

@ricky - you seem to be on the right track - The big 3 in my opinion are the strut - mount - and boot .. you can replace the spring seat/gasket if yours is worn or cracked. Check the video above how he restores the boot with the silicone spray

@bossmaxima - www.slickdeals.net favorite site ever
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Feb 12, 2011 | 05:59 AM
  #19  
Why replace the mount if it's fine?
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Feb 12, 2011 | 09:19 AM
  #20  
Quote: Why replace the mount if it's fine?
.......because there are no guarantees it will stay fine for the life of the new replacement struts.
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Feb 12, 2011 | 09:26 AM
  #21  
Quote: Why replace the mount if it's fine?
well the mount on my drivers side has been out for awhile. since im replacing it i thought i might as well and change out all shocks and struts as well as the pass side strut mount.i have owned the car for a lil over 2 yrs and have never had to do anything to it at all. it was very well kept and is in immaculate condition. and i take care of my cars and i want it to last me for a while. thats why i ask what all i could replace suspension wise, that way i dont have to worry bout it for awhile.
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Feb 12, 2011 | 06:48 PM
  #22  
If you want to replace everything, just get monroe quick struts....
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May 14, 2011 | 12:21 PM
  #23  
There are several quick strut mfgs in the market Monroe, raybestos, leacree(chinese) does OEM for Fiat I think.5 bolt to take out 5 bolt to put in, no messing with spring suppressor
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