How do you change struts on 1998 buick regal?

Answer 1

Depends on whether or not you wish to replace the whole strut assembly (w/spring and bearing) or just the cartridge. A rule of thumb that I use is IF the car has had more than 80,000 miles or more and its the first time your are replacing them I would replace the whole strut. I just did this to my 1998 today. We have 83,000 miles on her and The springs may be getting weak. I was able to pick up a set of monroes for 140.00 Bucks for the pair on Amazon Great deal. If you are going to try and do just the cartridge, the cool thing is you can do this from the engine compartment without even jacking up the car. You will need a GM strut removal tool that can be rented or loaned from autozone or the like. You may have to remove the hood possibly because the length of the cartridge may be too long to clear the hood in the opened position. Again I find it easier to just replace the whole strut assembly because:

1. You Get a new spring (forget the rumors about the spring quality from china stuff its BS)

2. You get a new upper steering bearing

3. New spring isolator pads

4. New contamination accordian boots (seals out dirt from the strut shaft)

FRONT>Replacing complete strut

A: You have to first jack up the car part way and remove wheel lugs

B: Place jack stand under car in proper area for safety

C: Remove tire and wheel (I do one side at a time, you can do both if you want)

D: Take note of where the brake line and ABS sensor modules are.

(becareful not to let the strut damage or let the brake rotor assembly fall and damage these)

E: There are two large bolts that hold the strut to the steering knuckle 3/4 inch socket

F: After removing nuts you have to use a 2 pound sledge hammer to knock out the bolts. They have a hammer tip to them so you wont damage the threads. Be carefull that you hit them square none the less.

G: Remove the three nuts at the top of the tower(1/2in. or 14mm I think) (DO NOT REMOVE THE LARGE CENTER NUT!) As you remove the last one grab onto the strut so it doesnt fall and damage anything.

H: Remove strut assembly from steering knuckle (You may have to wiggle and lift it to clear the knuckle bracket.

I: Get new strut assembly and fit it back into the tower in the same orientation.

Put on 1 or 2 of the small nuts at the top of the tower but leave them loose for now.

J: Put in the two large bolts after you get the strut lined up to the knuckle.

You may have to loosen the sway bar link bolt to get the holes to line up. Depends on how worn the are.

K: Tighten everything up and your ready to go to the next side.

Oh and remember to put your Tires back on ;^)