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Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts are important parts of a vehicle’s suspension. Shocks are designed to absorb the impact, while struts support the load of an object such as the chassis of a car. These components are designed to soften the ride.
886 Questions
How do you replace rear shocks on a dodge Dakota slt ext cab 2wd?
One of the simplest jobs you can do if you have a little mechanical aptitude and the correct size wrenches. Set the parking brake and chock block the wheels and you're good to go underneath and do the work, no jacks or stands required. You could drive the rear up onto blocks as well if you feel that you need more space to work.
Just buy the shocks you want, check that they have all the hardware required (nuts, bolts, and washers), but do not unstrap the shocks yet. Get under the vehicle, and remove the bolts from one of the old shocks (replace only one shock at a time, that way, you can look at the other for reference if necessary). If the bolts are seized, just use a nut splitter on them (less than $10 at most any parts store and a priceless tool to have in your tool box), you won't be reusing any of the old shock hardware. Now you can remove the old shock and put in a new one. If the retaining straps don't run through the 'eyes' of the shock, bolt in one end of the new one (top is usually easiest), making sure it is correctly oriented with the 'fat' end of the shock at the top, before unstrapping the shock and guiding it into place and slipping in the bottom bolt. Otherwise, unstrap the shock, install the top end, and use your strength as described below to install the other end.*Be prepared for the shock to start extending when the strap is removed, it won't shoot out like a rocket but it might not give you too much time to aim it and slip in the bottom bolt* If you miss, don't worry, just use a little strength to compress the shock and try again. Tighten the bolts as directed by any instructions from the new shocks. Repeat the process for the other shock and you're back to riding in comfort.
Will the rear leaf springs on a Comanche fit on a Cherokee?
Good question. Are they the same year, wheel base, automatic, air conditioning, ect? I take it you found a set off a Comanche, and you have a Cherokee? Here is what I would do. Call the dealer and get the part number for the Comanche, then call again and get the price and part number for a Cherokee. If the same, good too go. If not? Good luck
No, they will not. Comanche springs are longer than the Cherokee Springs. While all the front suspension parts are completely interchangeable and identical, the rear is completely different.
What does service ride control on 2004 GMC Yukon Denali mean?
Where are the fues located for the control ride on a yukon denali xl
What should the OEM front camber setting be for a Subaru 93 Liberty?
The front camber for a Subaru Liberty should be -1.0 degrees. This should be max while being even left to right.
How do you replace rear shocks on 1990 maxima?
Replacing anything on the suspension of a vehicle can be VERY DANGEROUS. The springs on most vehicles has enough force behind them to sever limbs if they get in the way. I recommend taking the vehicle to the shop for servicing.
Do you need an alignment after front strut replacement?
It is a good idea to get a front end alignment after replacing and part of the front suspention.
How to install shocks for a 95 caprice?
You put the car up on jack stands - make sure it is secure - i typically put a spare tire under 1 of the wheels for safety in case one of the jack stands fall over - you can never be too careful - also make sure the location is flat
you have 2 bolts at the top of the shock and 1 bolt at the bottom
undo the bolts and pull out the shock and replace shock with new one
tighten up the bolts and head to the next shock
How much labor to change front shocks on 97 Chevy s-10?
The cost of labor to change the front shocks on a 1997 Chevy S-10 pickup varies greatly by the place where service is performed. As of 2014 this ranges from 41.50 per shock to 80.00 per shock.
How do you change struts on a 1996 Toyota Avalon?
do you have to have the springs compressed when changing both rear struts on a 1996 Toyota Avalon
*** Yes you do need to have a spring compressor. Get the McPherson spring compressor. It is a must. You can rent them at O'reillys auto parts, Kragen, maybe Auto Zone. I have a 1996 Avalon XL as well. To get a better understanding on how to change it out, I recommend a chilton 95-97 Camary Manual. Now I can't remember the exact tools you need but the ones I can remember are 22mm socket, 14mm socket, 12mm socket, for the 2 large stubborn bolts I had to impact drill them, and with that 12mm socket don't forget to take the brake line off the strut. When you jack up the car try using its stock jack stand if you don't want to bend the running bars underneath where you jack it up as the car is a unibody jacking it up too high will lift the cars whole side and you only need to jack it enough to take the tire off. The back struts require you to take out your back seat which are also easy to take out. Help switching them is always nice and faster but unneeded.
Difficulty: easy (with the exception of stubborn bolts just use PB Blaster)
Time per strut: 30 min / stubborn bolts, pieces, and lack of knowledge may increase that time to 1-2 hours
additional notes: make sure to replace boots, bellows/bumpers, and spring seats. While your changing the struts it will be advisable to inspect CV axle boots in front, sway bar links, and any type of suspension parts, also check the boots to the steering arms.
Is it safe to replace just one strut on the front of a subaru legacy?
Well it wont necessarily be a bad thing to change one but if i were you i would change both so that way you dont have to change the other one later.
How do you replace front struts Chevy Venture?
Edited by me from previous post. Front struts on Venture are tucked under the windshield. It is a pain but do-able on a 2003 Venture. Access to the strut mount top bolts is tight and doing the passenger side requires removal of the majority of the wiper transmission. I used a T30 Torx for the wiper motor, a 15mm ratcheting wrench for the top nuts and an 8mm socket for the wiper trans bolts. I used rust penetrant on all bolts before starting and spray fluid film afterwards to prevent future rust.
Buy the new strut and spring all in one. The springs were sagged so an all in one was required. I bought KYB but there are other brands.
Remove wheel. Disconnect the sway bar link. It may be the right time to replace the sway bar bushings and links. I used a jack to adjust the control arm height to get the bolts in and out.
Remove the two bolts holding the strut to spindle assembly (the bolts do not turn (splines on bolt shaft), remove nuts then drive out the bolts.
Now the top side.
Remove wiper arms. There is a plastic cap over the real nut. Mine were corrosion stuck. A puller would have been nice to have.
Remove the plastic tray under the wipers (plastic push pin retainers). In 2003, there is no access to the top of the strut tower from the wiper area.
Remove the bolts holding the wiper arm shafts. Loosen the T30 Torx fasteners around the wiper motor. Loosen the screw on the shaft that connects to the wiper trans. A tap on the loosened screw will free the motor. Remove the large black wiper transmission bar on both sides. Any transmission cross bars in the way need to be removed. This allows enough room to reach in and get to the strut mount nuts.
There are three 15mm nuts, remove them; the strut should be free.
Reinstall in the reverse order.
How much does it cost to have a garage replace shocks and struts on a Honda Pilot?
approx $600-$800, and can be $1000+ at a Honda dealer
How do you remove the front struts on 1994 BMW 525I?
Buy a service manual and the correct tools, this can be dangerous if you do wrong!!
How far can you lift air shocks up?
Air shocks are not designed to lift. They are designed to aid the suspension to maintain the correct level. The shock mounts are not designed to hold the weight of the vehicle.
Actually to answer your question..if you have it jacked up for awhile while working, the shock or strut would stick slightly and would take its original form when you take it on a drive. You would never notice this. Secondly, that is where you would jack it up to relieve tension on the mounting bolts for removal/reinstallation of your shock/strut. The only damage that can be done is depending on the size of bowl/cup that your jack has. If your jack cup/bowl is very small you can damage the treads on the bottom mounting bolt if you are not careful. No worries. Hope this helps. V/R SSG Sadosky, USA Army Maintenance Supervisor
How do you replace rear and front shocks on a 1997 Dodge Van B 2500?
Raise and safely support the vehicle securely on jackstands. Remove the wheels. Remove the upper nut and retainer. Remove the two lower mounting bolts. Remove the shock absorber. To install: When installing the shock absorber, make sure the upper bushings are in the correct position. Replace any worn or cracked bushing. Tighten the top nut to 25 ft. lbs. (34 Nm). Then, tighten the lower bolts to 17 ft. lbs. (23 Nm). Install the wheels. Lower the vehicle. Raise and safely support the vehicle securely on jackstands. Remove the wheels. Remove the upper nut and retainer. Remove the lower mounting bolt. Remove the shock absorber. To install: When installing the shock absorber, make sure the upper bushings are in the correct position. Replace any worn or cracked bushings. Hand-tighten the shock absorber fasteners. Install the wheels. Lower the vehicle. Once the vehicle is at normal ride height, final-tighten the shock absorber fasteners to 60 ft. lbs. (82 Nm).
What is the cost to replace the transmission in a 2004 Chevy Monte Carlo?
ha only the transmission is over a 1000 plus labor costs it would be like 1500+
2009.11.10ac
In my DIY experiences I've found that removing that top nut off of a shock to be the most difficult (and frustrating) part of the shock replacement process. What usually adds to the problem is the rust that invariably has cemented the nut to the threaded tip. So step number one is highly recommended.
1. Spray a thread penetrating fluid on the center and base of the shock nut. I used to use Liquid Wrench, but after having success on rusty brake lines I've switched to PB Blaster spray fluid.
Tonight my girlfriends 2003 Taurus needed new shocks. I decided that only the shock component of the strut needed replacement this time and next time a whole strut replacement would be necessary. (be safe when compressing the coil before removing the shock nut from the assembly.
Heres a patent on a special tool for this application so I know they are around:
2. Special tools?
Maybe try looking at patent: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/3889558.html
3. An pneumatic impact wrench can make speedy work of removing the nut. I used a pair of locking plyers on the shiney cylinder to keep it from moving... but dont do this on your new shock as it will scratch it and may cause seal damage.
4. With access to more common tools, use a combination wrench on the top main nut and either another wrench or a small socket for the center part (that spins). Try not to slip a wrench and end up punching yourself or something sharp!
(...my first ever answer to an online question)
What is it when a car sways from side to side?
what year is it, how many miles on it? does it do it at high speeds? i culd be shock or struts.
How much to replace shocks in a Cadillac STs?
Cadillac sts has air shocks wich are controlled only by a air pump, or a hidden air valve, which u can then pump air into it like you are pumping up a tire at a gas station. For each air shock it is around $140- and up. If you are thinking about replacing them due to not leveling out your suspension at all, check to make sure the air pump is on/working if not that would be the first step in getting them to work properly. If so your air shocks are probably worn out to were you got to replace them.
What part of a car causes a car to sway side to side while driving?
Most often that would be caused by a tire that has separated inside. That in turn is often caused by making tires roll the opposite way than they have been used to
How can you tell if rear struts or shocks need replacement?
Have a friend drive behind closely and watch for wheel bouncing.
