Advice on struts...testing current ones and replacement brands?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 659
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From: Woodland Ca
Advice on struts...testing current ones and replacement brands?
The front end is making some noises on crossing small dips. I don't know if the struts are the original(122k/miles) or if they have been replaced before.
Any advice on how to test?
How hard is it to replace myself, or is it better to bite it and pay someone $15.00 a strut?
What brand, model would you buy keeping in mind that I might be selling the car this summer(in a couple of months)
As always...THANKS :thumbs:
Any advice on how to test?
How hard is it to replace myself, or is it better to bite it and pay someone $15.00 a strut?
What brand, model would you buy keeping in mind that I might be selling the car this summer(in a couple of months)
As always...THANKS :thumbs:
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 659
Likes: 0
From: Woodland Ca
Re: Advice on struts...testing current ones and replacement brands? (Curveit)
Well, there I go again listening to a tire dealership when they look up parts/prices.
Yes indeed. Looking for a more comfy/safe ride.
I heard(herd?) that if I replace the shocks myself, that I was very hard and dangerous. I have just recently sent my engine in to have it rebuilt, but I took it out and reinstaled it myself. I don't think it could be that hard?
How would you rate it?
Yes indeed. Looking for a more comfy/safe ride.
I heard(herd?) that if I replace the shocks myself, that I was very hard and dangerous. I have just recently sent my engine in to have it rebuilt, but I took it out and reinstaled it myself. I don't think it could be that hard?
How would you rate it?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: Advice on struts...testing current ones and replacement brands? (BIG K)
Shocks are not a bug deal to install on 89's at all. You only need to get the wheel off the ground and remove it. Fronts are very simple as you will see- only 1 nut and two bolts.
The rear is a bit nore difficult in that the nut holding the lower portion of the shock in place is large. The upper shock mount is inside the body but you will see some bolts that hold the upper bracket to the body. Remove that and there is a single nut just like the fronts. All of the nuts and bolts have torque specs and I'm not sure what they are for that specific year.
A good replacement shock in the KYB Gas-A-Just and is availabel from Summit Racing for $27.95 each. Go to their website http://www.summitracing.com and use the Summit Part Number search feature for KYB-KG5570 and KYB-KG5571.
I'm assuming that yor car does not the FX3 Selective Ride Control (rotary switch on the console in front of the console box.
The rear is a bit nore difficult in that the nut holding the lower portion of the shock in place is large. The upper shock mount is inside the body but you will see some bolts that hold the upper bracket to the body. Remove that and there is a single nut just like the fronts. All of the nuts and bolts have torque specs and I'm not sure what they are for that specific year.
A good replacement shock in the KYB Gas-A-Just and is availabel from Summit Racing for $27.95 each. Go to their website http://www.summitracing.com and use the Summit Part Number search feature for KYB-KG5570 and KYB-KG5571.
I'm assuming that yor car does not the FX3 Selective Ride Control (rotary switch on the console in front of the console box.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,198
Likes: 2
From: Northern CA
Re: Advice on struts...testing current ones and replacement brands? (BIG K)
You pulled your engine yourself? Then you could swap the shocks with your eyes closed. :D
The usual sign of worn out shocks is that the car will bounce (porpoise) on the freeway bumps... not small noises. If you are getting squeaks over slow bumps you may want to check your bushings. HTH.
The usual sign of worn out shocks is that the car will bounce (porpoise) on the freeway bumps... not small noises. If you are getting squeaks over slow bumps you may want to check your bushings. HTH.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 21
From: CLAREMONT Ca
Re: Advice on struts...testing current ones and replacement brands? (Curveit)
Have your brake calipers checked. I had a similar noise and it turned out to be my right caliper that had become loose for some odd reason. :cheers:
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 659
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From: Woodland Ca
Re: Advice on struts...testing current ones and replacement brands? (c4cruiser)
You PREsume correctly, no ride control.
Thanks for the confidence in my ability.
I think what I'm going to do is have ANOTHER tire shop look at the shock as they are putting new skins(tires) on the car. Heck, I'm going to look too for myself.
Anthing else I should look for other than leaking fluid?
Thanks for the confidence in my ability.
I think what I'm going to do is have ANOTHER tire shop look at the shock as they are putting new skins(tires) on the car. Heck, I'm going to look too for myself.
Anthing else I should look for other than leaking fluid?
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