Shocks and Struts

Depends on what vehicle and brand of shocks, but you can get grabriels or another inexpensive shock for around $20 each. Koni or factory replacements can be$100-200 each.

With the exception of custom rebuildable aftermarket shocks and struts such as certain Konis, these OE components are not serviceable. In other words once worn or failed they can only be replaced. Guidelines to determine replacement include factory mileage guidelines, inspection for excessive bounce, noise, case integrity, and the presence of oil leaks.

Yep, some vehicles still use the shock absorber but many use the strut assembly which has many functions other than the just the duties of a shock absorber.

Struts are much like what used to be shock absorbers except more expensive to replace. Bad/worn out struts will greatly reduce the handling and control of the vehicle. You can drive the car but it may put you in a dangerous situation. How much do you value your life?

When was the last time you had the suspension lubed? Did someone swap in some urethane bushings? They tend to squeak .

http://groups.msn.com/Sorensonbrian/hkssprings.msnw http://groups.msn.com/Sorensonbrian/kybgr2shocks.msnw

For changing struts? Compresses spring to make shorter for removal and safety

Hold spring so it doesn't expand and cause personal or property damage

About an hour, but it can be dangerous without the right tools and knowledge.

Go to this link to learn all about shocks and struts.

http://free-auto-repair-advice.blogspot.com/2007/05/shocks-and-struts-what-they-do-when-to.html

Rick

I'm a retired ASE Master/L-1 Technician. I still keep current with the latest automotive technology. Visit my blog for cool articles and TSB's: http://free-auto-repair-advice.blogspot.com

Check the strut mountings Check springs and shocks they may be worn out

I replaced them on my 1999 Grand Caravan. It's very easy if you've got a good socket set with either an impact wrench or a socket wrench set with a breaker bar. (A breaker bar is a long extension you can put on the wrench end to give you extra leverage.) By the way, if you have a four wheel drive - you may have a completely different situation. However, if it's a front wheel drive it should be reasonably easy to do. Note: This procedure may require you to be under the car. There is risk of injury or death if you fail to secure the car and protect against it's falling. If you are not experienced working on cars you should get the help and advice of a professional. Most car parts stores carry the shocks "in stock." If you are a car keeper (I am - I still ALSO have an '87 caravan) you can get the lifetime shocks - if they ever fail you can replace them for free. I've used CAP (Consumer Auto Parts) and they've never argued about replacing lifetime parts when I produced the receipt. 1. Park the car someplace level where you can work, put the transmission in "park," remove the key and set the emergency brake 2. Block the wheels to prevent any chance of rolling 3. Jack up one side on the back of the car (If you get both sides off the ground the emergency brake is useless - it does the rear wheels only) 4. Secure it very well - I generally "wedge" it up by placing concrete blocks and wood shims that will "hold" it if the jack releases 5. In my case I didn't have to remove the wheel but you'll have to evaluate your own situation. 6. Position yourself to work on the problem - but make sure you've taken every precaution to ensure there's no way for the vehicle to fall on you. Remember, your medical bills and/or funeral will cost more than a professional mechanic... You will see there are two bolts, an upper and a lower, which secure the shock abosrber in place. The hardest part is "breaking" them free - they're in VERY, VERY tight. If you have an impact wrench that's ideal. If not, get a 1/2" socket that fits the nut perfectly - Craftsman tools are lifetime guaranteed so that's what I use. Put the wrench in "loosen" position, set it on one of the nuts, put the breaker bar (you can use a long steel pipe that fits over the ratchet handle). Now the fun starts. You're going to have to REALLY PULL on that wrench to get it to loosen so be absolutely sure the ratchet is set to loosen (NOT tighten). When it DOES loosen, it will give a mighty groan. It will continue to groan for about the first full turn, then it will quiet down - then you can remove the breaker bar and finish with the regular handle. REMEMBER, if you turn it the wrong way, or if the bolt is totally seized, there's a chance you'll break the bolt. If this happens you will have a MAJOR expense on your hands, so be careful. You'll have to do this for both bolts - upper and lower. Remember where any washers are. The new shock needs to be extended or compressed to the same size and must be oriented the same way. Adjust it so it fits properly and be sure you thread the bolts in properly, fit the washers (if any) as they came off (note the new shocks may have new washers - check and replace with the new ones if so). Careful putting the bolts back - if you thread them wrong, you'll strip the threads and have a MAJOR expense. When it's completely back you should torque the bolts to the proper tension. The Auto Parts store might be able to tell you what this is. If you don't have a torque wrench then tighten as hard as you can with the regular extension. Grab the shock and wiggle it to be sure there is no play. If there's no play then you're very tight - but I always go about one-eigth to one-quarter of a turn more with the breaker bar. Remember there is risk of breakage so don't overtighten.

cushion your ride without them it would ride like a lumber wagon very rough

need to know how to replace rear struts on 2004 kia optma

I am asked to change my shocks as it is worn out. It is 10 years old car. Do I seriously need to change the shocks. I have a plan to use it for one more year. Is this dangerous to use with bad shocks. Please answer me somebody who is expert.

well yes and no but they will work on either but the spring rate if remember right is a little more in the 95 . but deffienatley will work

Worn strut or shock absorber?

Worn strut bearing at top of strut?

Loose suspension parts?

Worn ball joint?

Struts in the front and rear.

very carefully

They are part of the suspension.

On the transmission crossmember there is a tensioner that works by adjusting the bolt in and out take both bolts out an equal distance.

Try a simple test. Push your car or vehicle with a substantial force downwards, towards the ground. Do this by pushing the hood down or the drunk down. If your car bounces fast and did it like a spring. You need new shocks or struts. This will affect your riding comfort. Some manufacturers specify to change the struts or shocks every 75,000 miles.

1500 or less

i just rep[laced front and rear myself and it wasnt to hard to do the rear but you need special tools to compress the front spring since it has way more load on it...but you can do it your self for about $300-400 depending on the performance of parts you get... i shopped around my local stores and kragens was the cheapest

go here

http://www.camrymanuals.com/index.php?m=Home&cid=105&topicid=0

download the suspension pdf and start reading, btw the WHOLE repair manual for your Camry is there

have phun

kk

go here

http://www.camrymanuals.com/index.php?m=Home&cid=105&topicid=0

download the suspension pdf and start reading, btw the WHOLE repair manual for your Camry is there

have phun

kk