Maintenance recommendations are to Replace front-end struts every 70,000 miles. Your car is driving a lot of miles between replacements. So, imagine all the force that is going into the suspension every time you hit a pothole. So, to keep your car from being damaged the next time it happens, follow this guide.
For example, we will be showing the strut replacement of a 1997 Toyota Corolla. Most Macpherson Struts are similar.
The quick guide states to place your car on a jack stand, remove your tire, remove the two bolts holding the strut on the bottom, and remove any abs and/or brake lines clipped to the strut. Lay a cloth over any grease boots the strut may strike, and remove the three bolts holding the top of the strut. The strut should fall free as soon as the last boot is removed. Assembly is the reverse of removal.
What Is a Macpherson Strut?
A Macpherson Strut is the combination of a spring suspension, a shock absorber, and the steering pivot located on the top of the assembly. This is probably the most common stock vehicle suspension today.
What You’ll Need
- A set of wrenches
- Gloves
- Jack
- Jackstand
- Lug Wrench
Jack Up The Car
First, break the lug nuts free and place the jack into the correct position. This will depend on your car, but the most common way to tell is to look for a double-thick set of ridges on the bottom of your car near the tires.
Next, jack the car up until you can place a jack stand under a solid piece of metal often a support frame. Slowly lower the jack until the car is solidly resting on the jack stand. Finish removing the tire.
Disconnect The Lower End
Remove the 2 bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle. There may be only 1 bolt-on some models, but typically it is 2.
Next, remove the brake line from the strut, this may include an abs line as well. Typically, it is a clip surrounding a line bolted to the strut assembly. Remove the bolt and slide the clip out.
Make sure nothing else is connected to your strut and lay protection over any grease boot such as the cv boot. A cloth should do fine.
Remove the Upper Bolts
Typically there are 3 bolts located on the upper end of the strut located in the driver bay. You will remove these, but make sure you or a friend are holding the strut simultaneously. Once the top end bolts are removed the strut may fall out
If You Are Reusing The Spring
Typically you should simply replace the whole assembly if you are replacing the shock absorber. Additionally, it is a good idea to just replace the spring, whenever you are replacing the front-end strut.
You need to use a spring compressor to prevent the spring from dangerously launching out when released. It will need to remain compressed for reassembly otherwise it will not allow you to put the steering pivot plate back on. If you choose to reuse the spring, follow these steps:
- Attach spring compressors to both sides of the spring and compress.
- Remove the central nut on the steering pivot plate to release the spring from the old strut.
- Place the spring on the new strut assembly.
- It is recommended you do not reuse the steering pivot plate; however, attach the steering pivot plate you choose to the top of the assembly following any guide arrows on the strut as necessary.
- Release Spring compressors and you are done.
Reassemble
Its time to reassemble everything. It is simply the reverse of disassembly; however, when it is done you will need to realign your wheel camber or have it professionally done. Reassemble in this order; use thread locker on bolt threads if possible:
- Gently slide into place, and put the three-bolt in the top. Attach the nut.
- Put the two bolts and nuts at the bottom. Set the wheel chamber now if you intend to do so yourself.
- Reattach the brake lines.
- Put the tire back on and loosely tighten the nuts.
- Lower from the jack stands.
- Finish tightening the tire nuts.
How to Tell if Your Front-End Struts Need to be Replaced
- Your car bounces around a lot.
- The car may also lean too much to one side when turning.
- Your tires are wearing unevenly because your car bounces around frequently.
- There may be signs of fluid leakage on the struts.
- Your stopping distance has increased.
- The front end of the car dives forward when braking.
Is It Hard to Replace Front-End Struts?
No, it is not really hard. Although, it will take some mechanical competency. Also, you will have to be careful if you choose to reuse the springs. They are under incredible tension and you must use a spring compressor properly.
Are Struts Worth Replacing?
Struts are the assembly protecting your car from all the bouncing you encounter on the road. A weak set of struts can cost you a lot of money in damaged control arms body damage and wear and tear. However, consider if the whole strut needs replaced.
The shock absorber decreases the bouncing caused by the car’s springs absorbing any shocks the car encounters. Therefore, as long as your car isn’t bouncing around a lot or dragging the ground on bumps, you’re generally fine. However, occasionally struts can leak or rust, in which case, they need to be replaced.
Do You Need an Alignment After Replacing Struts?
Since struts are generally a structural part of the suspension system, in most cases, you should get an alignment. This is especially true if you replace the front struts. Additionally, if you have other suspension work done at the same time or have the tires changed you’ll need one.
Related Questions
How Do I Know if I Need an Alignment?
You can check for some common signs indicating the need for an alignment. Observe your steering wheel when you drive and see if it seems to be centered. Also, make sure it seems to return to the center after turning and does not seem to feel loose. Abnormal wear on your tires may also indicate the need for an alignment.