How to Replace Front Struts Part 1 - EricTheCarGuy

How to Replace Front Struts Part 1 - EricTheCarGuy
Well I'm finally getting this one up for you, sorry. It's been a busy week and I just haven't had the time to finish this one up but here it is in all its glory. Yes, it is something besides a Honda, in fact it's a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am. I do work on other cars just not that often since I know Honda's and Acura's so well. I hope to do a broad range of videos covering a wide range of subjects so keep watching, eventually I'll get to your request. For now enjoy this video and if you use the spring compressors I did in this video be careful, like I said in the video I've seen people get hurt doing this do take it seriously.
Part 2
• How to Replace Front S...
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@ericthecarguy]

@tinydx95t2 Your tool is much better than the one I used here, personally I like the wall mount because of the ease of use and the cage around it but your right, that amount of potential energy deserves respect. Thanks for the comment.

[@coldbore01]

Thank you so muc. I followed these for my wife's Equinox. Took about 45 minutes a side with a coil swap and sway bar replacement. Saved 1200 bucks. So easy. Will never pay a shop again to do this.

[@AlyTiffany]

"It's happy to see me." lol... Eric the Car Guy video's are the best I've found for do-it-yourself. Thanks so much!

[@ericthecarguy]

@hytgggg Thats a good suggestion however there are some springs that need to be compressed much further in order to remove the strut (Honda's) and your method would not work in that instance, I also think that the weight of the strut may cause it to drop out of the vice and onto the floor possibly setting the compressor loose. Personally I think using a dedicated spring compressor is the best and safest way. Thanks for your comment.

[@brakedd]

Eric thanks for this video....I need to do front struts on my 96 Grand Prix and will use this video as a guide. You're the man...the shop wants hundreds and hundreds for the job but I simply can't afford it. I'll be lucky to afford the parts.

[@theGzeusprepuce]

"Is this the safest way to do this..I don't think so, but it is a way to do this." always a pleasure and a learning experience!

[@psychofish1]

I like that you emphasized the safety concerns. I resolved the safety issue of the spring not compressing correctly, or insufficiently by using two pairs of compressors. I compress with one pair until I can get another pair in at the widest points, then compress these until the spring is not longer tensioned the mounting plate. The first pair of compressors will need to come off in order for the coil to sufficiently compress on certain vehicles. If they can stay on, they become safety devices.

[@jptravers]

I did this exact job in my Los Angeles carport with no air tools! Same spring compressor and everything. Perhaps I didn't realize the extent of the potential danger, but I was extremely careful with the compressed springs (set them aside once off). They were the only part I reused. Great channel.

[@ericthecarguy]

@mufcdoz Sounds like an alignment issue perhaps caused by a loose mount at the base of the strut or a worn ball joint or something. I would jack that side up and have a look at what is going on, you can use the other side of the car as a comparison to perhaps help find the problem. Good luck and thanks for the comment.

[@Gallagur-xz6fr]

"It's happy to see me." LOL!

[@ericthecarguy]

@elantra11 In part 2 I show "priming" the struts as you describe. I know of the quick struts and I've installed them myself, in fact if you don't have a proper spring compressor I highly recommend using those. Thanks for your comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@vetteburna My preferred method is with a wall mounted spring compressor but for the diy this may be all that is available. In the comments I've advocated either using quick struts or using zip ties or vice grips to hold the compressors in place. Thanks for your comment and input.

[@ericthecarguy]

@snowwolf541 I wish I had put it in the video but I use vice grips or zip ties to hold the tool in place while performing this procedure sometimes. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Spiegel420 I've seen some people tie them off with zip ties, I think it might have been good to show that in the video but I wasn't thinking of it at the time. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@fuze59 In a way you answered your own question as the issue when not using air tools is that the shaft often spins making it difficult to remove that nut. You can use vice grips to hold the old strut but you can't use them on the new strut. I've also used an electric impact on stuff like this in the past that works pretty well. Good luck.

[@ericthecarguy]

@readymade7777 Indeed it was a pain in my ass. Thanks for watching, your comments, and the rating, it means a lot that you watch.

[@ericthecarguy]

@gtofan2005 You might want to check to see if quick struts are available for that application as the come as a complete assembly, no spring compressing required. Another option is to remove the struts yourself and have a shop swap them out for you, then all you would have to worry about is the labor for swapping out the struts.

[@ericthecarguy]

@1therambo Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@flacovilla48 It's not too long but rather that you probably have to move the lower mount to install it. The bushings at rest and the stabilizer bar tend to come up when they don't have a strut to hold them in place. A long pry-bar on the lower control arm usually helps.

[@ericthecarguy]

@wsvitak I'm very happy you liked the video, thanks for the comment.

[@dieseldolittle2]

@EricTheCarGuy the point I was making, was that I bought a separate socket set for impact work. All sockets are black. But it appears to be made of the same metal as standard sockets. ie chrome vanadium. Less the chrome plating. Thanks for the info. Your video skills are also very good.

[@ericthecarguy]

@hobieslug45 I've seen that type of compressor and it is a much better option to be sure, kinda the reason I caution the viewer and suggest taking it somewhere where they have a "proper" spring compressor. I will be able to drive home that point when I post the video I did on replacing Honda struts using these tools, stay tuned.

[@ericthecarguy]

@tnainio I'm glad you liked it, thank YOU for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@tjrieves I think these videos will help, thanks for the comment and good luck.

[@adz62]

In my Toyota Highlander manual the third step is to just loosen the strut nut while assembly is still under compression and on vehicle. I did not understand this step until you were at the bench and had to use the vice grips to stop the spinning of the strut shaft. This step, loosing strut nut, will hopefully eliminate using the vice grips later on at the bench. Thank you for informative video now I will watch part 2.

[@ericthecarguy]

@halnass I'm happy to help, thanks for the comment.

[@DroneRacecom-jp3od]

Man, than you so much for your service to us DIY guys and just people who can can't afford having this kind of stuff done professionally.

[@ericthecarguy]

@dustees7mm First be sure it is the strut that is the cause of the noise and not something else. Jack the front wheels up and try to "wiggle" the wheels top to bottom and side to side and feel for looseness. You may also want to try prying up on the lower ball joint to check for play. Lastly take a close look at the stabilizer links to see if they are broken as this is a very common cause of a clunk going over bumps. If you see oil residue on the outside of the strut it's probably bad.

[@ericthecarguy]

@sweetestnovember28 Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@grenman20 It could be that the rubber that is suppose to insulate the strut from noise is not positioned correctly or some other installation or part issue, you really won't know till you take it back apart probably. It could also be the upper strut bearing come to think of it but if that wasn't making noise before you did the change it may not be an issue.

[@ericthecarguy]

@killsometimeforfun It is true that you should tighten those fasteners with the suspension loaded as it helps keep the bushings from being twisted and damaged. You could always put a floor jack under the lower control arm to support it while you tighten the fasteners.

[@ericthecarguy]

@AlyTiffany Thank YOU very much for that comment, it means a lot.

[@ericthecarguy]

@richu27 Yes they can because heat is what causes the seals in the strut to fail so if you have high ambient temperatures AND a bumpy road it will cause the strut to get pretty hot and accelerate the wear on the seals in the struts.

[@ericthecarguy]

@SubaruB4RSK Yea, that was a good one. Thanks for your comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@13FravelJ Put your eyes on them to see if they are leaking oil, if they are then yes replace them, if not either get heavy duty ones or a different brand.

[@gtrn1974]

I love your videos and it has allowed me, as a woman, to do some pretty difficult jobs on my 2004 Mazda Tribute ES. Thank you and I promise to keep watching;)

[@ericthecarguy]

@mikerelli50 No the suspension parts will have nothing to do with the boot. As for the vibration that is most likely a tire or tire balance issue. You might try rotating the tires to start.

[@ericthecarguy]

@volleyballdude33 You can use wrenches to tighten these it just takes forever. Thanks for your comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@vitiay You sound like the perfect guy for the job, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@founditnow54 Yes, that is an option, thanks for the comment.

[@ironwoodimages]

Thanks for the video Eric! I just replaced my front and back struts on my 10yr old G20. I ended up doing this with hand tools - takes a bit longer but it all worked out and I didn't have any nasty surprises. Thanks again!

[@ericthecarguy]

@jass355 On most vehicles no but if you find that the lower bolts for the strut are offset then you will need an alignment after replacing struts.

[@ericthecarguy]

@adz62 Thanks for the comment and good luck with those struts.

[@ericthecarguy]

@jonathanyip343 So far it's been working out. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@jtallman2323 Those are a lot of fun from what I remember, you da man for doing it with hand tools. Thanks for your comment.

[@annieworroll4373]

To avoid having to mess with spring compression, you can replace the entire assembly as a unit. That's how I handled a broken a broken spring on my 2000 Grand Am. Granted, this did cost me nearly double what just the spring would have, but it dodged the safety issue and general annoyance of removing and reinstalling springs and ensured the parts the failed spring would have put the most stress on wouldn't be an issue.

[@ericthecarguy]

@skiplipari If they are different brands or different struts I don't recommend installing them as you must install the same type and brand on both sides of the car for best results.

[@ericthecarguy]

@yerboogieman If you get quick struts you can just swap out the units but if you get just the struts you will have to compress the spring as in this video. Good luck.

[@ericthecarguy]

@jass355 Thanks for the comment. Watch the video Oops, Axle Ball Joint Replacement for ball joint removal.

[@ericthecarguy]

@hodgeybodgey78 It's always great to hear when my videos actually help someone. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Dauntless244 I agree. It also sucks doing this on Honda springs (long tight coils). I shot a video on this and hope to post it in the near future.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Michiganborn1969 no, I got poked their much worse at my old job. Thank you for your concern.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Michiganborn1969 No worries. Wait till you see the video for the Honda springs.

[@ericthecarguy]

@MsBangora It may not be the struts, watch the video I did on finding suspension noises first so see if you can nail down the source before replacing any parts. Good luck.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Chyne20 Thanks for the great comment, it brought a smile to my face.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Godstable That's a bit vague if I'm honest but check the ball joints as well as the other parts of the suspension.

[@ericthecarguy]

@mikeyung91 I don't see why not as it is easier to install lowering springs that it is to install stock springs, you really don't even have to compress them most times. You may find that your car looks cool but is not as usable as it used to be however as decreasing suspension travel has it's drawbacks. It also kills struts in a short amount of time.

[@ericthecarguy]

@lungduck Yea the point was to illustrate how dangerous using this type of tool can be. Climbing telephone poles sounds dangerous too.

[@ericthecarguy]

@westendpimp2003 No, it's a Grand Am but pretty much the same. Just be careful with those springs and you should be fine. Good luck.

[@ericthecarguy]

@deciga9 I would say that if the issue wasn't there before you replaced the struts then something is probably not installed correctly. I'm not sure if it's possible to install the upper strut mount in the car incorrectly as I think the holes for the studs are offset and won't permit it. You might want to remove it and recheck the work just to be on the safe side.

[@ericthecarguy]

@del3021 In your case I might consider a set of 'quick struts' that come as complete assemblies with the upper plates already installed all you have to do is bolt them in.

[@HornungMoeller]

You can du this procedure very fine without airtools. I did it just today. No problem. Also. I learned it to be easy'er to start the top bolt (the one that wanted to rotate) when the strut is stil in the car. That way it wont spin - just take it 1 turn before removing and kompressing the spring.

[@ericthecarguy]

@cinamonBITS Good luck and thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Bigroberto2008 Lets see if I can help. If the noise showed up after you did the tie rod work then I would look there, it's probably not a bad idea to jack the front end up and wiggle the wheels to see if there's anything loose. If you don't find anything loose I might check the upper strut mounts as they have a bearing assembly in them that allows the strut to pivot when you turn the wheel. You might verify this if you have someone turn the wheel while you listen to the top of the strut.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Titan9mm Springs control ride height, struts dampen the movement of the springs, in short it sounds like you need springs.

[@ericthecarguy]

@awxjr Thank you and thanks for your comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@antoblake09 It may be some time as I'm about to start on a series covering electrical but I'll do my best.

[@ericthecarguy]

@TheMoviedude2011 Good luck and thanks for the comment.

[@NInjabluzx]

Thanks to your Vid I was able to do my 89 Camry!! First strut job ever, now car handles like new! again thats for the Vid!!!!

[@ericthecarguy]

@brakedd Good luck and thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Bryanx89 That is a much safer set up, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@deciga9 Well keep me posted on the progress of what you find, I'll help in any way I can. Good luck.

[@ericthecarguy]

@nutschTM That sucks, glad you got it sorted out.

[@ericthecarguy]

@jaredcarter208 You get best comment of the day for this one, thank you very much.

[@Dauntless244]

Great video as always, Eric. Like you said though, if used properly, you shouldn't have a problem with spring compressors. I have found though, that they are much more difficult to use with springs on newer cars, which have less coils for the height of spring.

[@ericthecarguy]

@dbflyboy917 That's actually what I used to use before I got my compressor.

[@ericthecarguy]

@NJD120883 I'm thinking there is some missing rubber somewhere where the spring mounts to the strut. Look for orange rust dust that is a good indication that something is loose or rubbing.

[@healingwheel]

Hey, Eric!!! Thanks so much for this great video. You talked me out of trying to compress my springs on the bench. My buddy down at Midas will do it for $20.00 a side, Sweet. Thanks again. ("Happy to see me".... ha ha ha!!!)

[@ericthecarguy]

@Bigroberto2008 Not jacked up, you want the weight of the car on it so that you can hear the noise.

[@ericthecarguy]

@fastvpbt1 I'm actually a subscriber of Scotty Kilmer, thanks for the comment.

[@TheMioAmico]

Tnx 4 teaching safety 1st. When I did this, i put the spring under the car and let the car down to compress it, tied it whit a rope and lifted the car back up again. Everibody stand back!!!

[@ericthecarguy]

@UTubeMeTubeWeTube Thanks for the comment and good luck.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Bigroberto2008 Have you checked the upper strut bearings as I have suggested? If not you might want to re-read my suggestions.

[@ericthecarguy]

@joeldude76 The first thing to address when dealing with ride quality is the tires.

[@Dlitz3]

Attempting my first do it yourself strut replacement today. Thanks for the insight.

[@sx600]

I always quote the extra $40.00 and install the ready struts! Much faster and safer. you can still make the money back as the time savings is well worth it. I love your videos and hope to talk to you some time about our business's. Thanks Jim D.(Deroshia Motorsports Inc.)

[@Rubbrichard079]

I like the way you edit these videos. You cut a lot of unneeded footage. Thumbs up!

[@kennethwilson8236]

Nice , great videos. practical advice. I need the right front strut replaced on my 3000gt but have opted to have front and rear done at the same time since the car is about 20 years old now and has 230k on it. I usually do the work myself if I have the time, but I am having to have the local garage do it. I agree with the power tools approach on this one save yourself a lot of time getting things on and off.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Dono743670777 They make a better one than I show in this video that actually shackles to the spring which is a lot safer. You could also consider quick struts that don't require you to compress the spring you only have to replace the assembly. They are a bit more expensive but they are safer to install and you get more new parts than just the strut. Good luck.

[@ericthecarguy]

@antonio30824 The struts will have nothing to do with the alignment, at least not on the scale that you describe, based on your description I would be looking at the tie rod ends as well as the lower ball joints and strut rod bushings.

[@ericthecarguy]

@1PARADOXXX A healthy respect for being killed or seriously injured is a good thing in my opinion.

[@ericthecarguy]

@henner09 Hard to say as it really depends on what is loose or broken. It may just need to be fastened securely to the knuckle. Not knowing what car you are working on or what exactly is loose it's really impossible for me to say.

[@mckinney7378]

Im a machine mechanic and although I do most of my vehicle repairs myself, I am not a car mechanic, and I have never replaced struts,so this is just an idea and my own personal opinion, again I have never tried it and cant guarantee it will keep you safe, but if I were doing this job with the tools shown in this video I would put some kind of strong clamps (8 of them) to put on each side of the spring compressors top and bottom, to reduce the very serious risk of the spring compressors slipping.

[@UTubeMeTubeWeTube]

Great vid bro! Instructional and entertaining! You're really funny! Going to try and do this on my M3 but I think I'm going to have my local garage decompress the springs. Thanks for the lesson.

[@ericthecarguy]

@deadprezful I have no idea but it would be less than having them do the entire job.

[@chetabumposess09]

Here I am watching all his old videos, never knowing he's still making new ones.

[@ericthecarguy]

@wardubo I actually have one, a good one at that. I've used it to do this job as well and it worked fine so you could use one for this if you wanted to. It's not as powerful as the air tools however but has enough to do this job.

[@ericthecarguy]

@cbr900rr919 Thanks for the great tip and for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@skatew2 I knew someone that almost died from getting hit in the head with one, it's no joke, Killed or Seriously Injured in the case of compressing springs is a very real thing.

[@ericthecarguy]

@ClubCrew That would be the safest/best and easiest way to do it.