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    Rear strut replacement

    I was wondering how difficult replacing the rear strut is?? I have assisted in lowering a friends acura but I have never replaced a strut. I know that I am going to need a spring compressor to get the spring off of the strut and I was wondering if there are any tips for this project??
    Thanks

    #2
    VERY easy.

    bolt out, fix up the strut, bolt back in. tips: get a haynes for 12 bucks and follow the steps.

    do you have air tools? i've found the top perch nut to be a pain otherwise. i'd try and loosten it a turn when its still on the car, before you unbolt anything else.

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      #3
      I agree. It's very easy except for that one single nut at the top. Without a compressor, it's hard to keep the whole strut shaft from spinning thus not allowing you to take it off. I notice you want to replace a strut and not struts. Is there any reason for this? Do you know for a fact that only one is causing problems? Where are you located?

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        #4
        I am located just north of SLC Utah.
        I noticed this problem a few weeks ago when I went to get my tires rotated and balanced. The rear driver side tire was the only one that had problems. It was wearing more of a zig zag motion on that side and parts of that tire was bald. All of the other tires were just fine. There was a HUGE difference in the wear on that one tire, and the tech said that if the strut wasn't done with yet that it would soon be.
        After calling around a few different places it seems like it would be a better idea to replace both of the rear struts instead of one.
        Another question: After replacing both rear struts is it necessary to get an alignment done, or is that mainly for the front??

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          #5
          with your uneven tire wear, an alignment couldnt hurt. its not REQUIRED after a strut replacement, but it is suggested.

          -jon
          Escort GTR -- 11.87 @ 117.6 mph -- 320 HP / 325 Ft. Lbs. @ 23 PSI
          ... The first FWD BG with a Toyota E153 transmission conversion in the USA!
          Looking for BP x Toyota E153 adapter plates? PM me or contact me on Facebook: Riel Performance Parts

          Comment


            #6
            Alignment is sometimes needed on the rear but with new struts it may not be needed. The camber starts deforming as the metal of the struts starts bending. This is common and not the more severe problem you're having. After replacing the struts, have a four wheel alignment done. Yes, that means more money. I would recommend replacing the strut mount, at least, on the bad side. Yes, again, more money for the strut mount. The other one is probably fine but I would bet the side that has been giving you problems has it screwed up by now. Even if it wasn't bad enough, yet, you don't want to find that you put on new struts and still have a problem and have to take everything apart again to put on the new strut mount.

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              #7
              no you don't need an alignment after replacing the rear struts.

              i would, however, replace both of them at the same time.

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by esmacmil View Post
                no you don't need an alignment after replacing the rear struts.

                i would, however, replace both of them at the same time.
                Like I said, you probably won't need alignment after putting new struts. That's because camber is usually the only thing that needs correction in the rear and that's usually caused due to metal warpage of the strut. You should be fine w/o alignment check on the rear with new struts. Having it done on the back is still ok in case there would be something else causing the problems like, say, rusting away of the tower metal of the car body. Then again, that would be noticed during strut replacement. They only charge a smaller amount to do the rear alignment since they know most people don't often pay to have the rear done. I only recommend it because of the excessive wear on one side in case there's more to the problem than the strut.

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                  #9
                  Sweet, thanks for the heads up and all of the info. As far as spring removal, I've heard that it is a pain.. And tips or words of wisdom for when I do that??

                  Comment


                    #10
                    just rent spring compressors from advance auto parts. basically they let you buy them ($50 or so), use them, and then return them and get all your money back

                    -jon
                    Escort GTR -- 11.87 @ 117.6 mph -- 320 HP / 325 Ft. Lbs. @ 23 PSI
                    ... The first FWD BG with a Toyota E153 transmission conversion in the USA!
                    Looking for BP x Toyota E153 adapter plates? PM me or contact me on Facebook: Riel Performance Parts

                    Comment


                      #11
                      spring removal isn't too much of a pain, but be careful, because it can be dangerous.

                      yes, most auto parts stores will 'rent' tools out. and not just spring compressors, either.

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Spring compressors at Advance Auto Parts were $25 when I bought them and were on sale for $20. Re-read my second post about the difficult part. You may want to try loosening that nut while the strut is still in the car. I had it outside the car while I tried to take it off and ended up having to drive around where there are a lot of mechanic shops asking for them to let me borrow their compressor. One guy was working with his air gun at that very moment. I asked and he asked me to hold the shaft as much as I could with my hand. He put the gun and with the very first spin, the nut loosened. I now own a good quality air compressor.

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Thanks, you guys are awesome. It's awesome to know that if I have any problems or questions reguarding repairs that there are a bunch of guru's on this site.
                          Thx

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