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strut problem

Old 08-25-2009, 09:32 PM
  #1  
ctlazersplaya07
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Default strut problem

so i was driving today and noticed that every time i went over a bump....when my car would return to normal height, there was a squeaking/scratching noise. i am pretty sure it is my struts....i am going to check tomorrow just to make sure....but for now i am looking at getting new struts and installing them

my first question is, not being very knowledgeable on cars (i have done my x-pipe, catback exhaust and throttle body myself so far), are struts a project i want to take on myself?

my second question is, what type of struts should i get for the car....as it is my daily driver but i do like to push it to its limits from time to time....i mean it is my baby....i like to ride her hard after a long day of work sometimes
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Old 08-25-2009, 09:46 PM
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TrimDrip
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I would let someone else do them
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Old 08-25-2009, 09:49 PM
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mattdel
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might be the struts, could also be the sway bar bushings @ the frame. the sway bar twists in the bushings when you go over bumps, etc.. eventually the bushings wear down to nothing.

struts tend to bang more than squeak. worth checking.

also i wouldn't tackle struts by yourself if you dont know how, but helping a knowledgeable friend would be fine.
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Old 08-25-2009, 10:31 PM
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ctlazersplaya07
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so if it is my sway bar bushings how much does it cost to have them fixed?
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Old 08-25-2009, 10:38 PM
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autozone.com lists the bushings from $14 to $54, depending on the diameter of your sway bar(they have different sizes depending on car sub-model) and brand name

about an hour of your time.
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Old 08-25-2009, 10:53 PM
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ctlazersplaya07
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is that something i could do myself?
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Old 08-25-2009, 10:58 PM
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crusin92red5.0
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the sway bar links are a easy 30min fix. struts are a little harder but its all the same basic concept,,,,,,,,,,,, PUT IT IN THE WAY IT CAME OUT.

take pics as you do it if your really concerned.
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Old 08-25-2009, 11:06 PM
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mattdel
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Originally Posted by ctlazersplaya07
is that something i could do myself?
yes, very easily.

Originally Posted by crusin92red5.0
the sway bar links are a easy 30min fix. struts are a little harder but its all the same basic concept,,,,,,,,,,,, PUT IT IN THE WAY IT CAME OUT.

take pics as you do it if your really concerned.
i'm not referring to the links, i'm talking about the bushings in the brackets.
Attached Thumbnails strut problem-8.jpg  
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Old 08-25-2009, 11:09 PM
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+1 on the taking pics. That's how i changed the blocker rings in my tranny. If you do the struts just make sure to support the lower control arm before loosening the strut. The cars weight will keep the spring in. You don't want that thing flying out.
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Old 08-26-2009, 01:32 AM
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if you have an impact wrench do it yourself its pretty easy, just make sure when you have the car jacked up in the air you put it on jack stands then place the jack underneath the A-arm and jack the A-arm up until it just starts to lift the car up then stop and dont take the jack out until you have the new strut bolted all in, if you take the jack out while the strut is unbolted the spring could fly out but only if you drop it fast.
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