Replacing Struts
Replacing the struts isn't that tough of a job. You'll need a spring
compressing tool; available at most auto parts store to buy or loan (I paid
about $30 for mine) and you'll need an alignment. The pictures are the struts for my Fiero, however, the
procedure is pretty much the same for other MacPherson style struts.
In the picture below, you can see the old strut. You have to remove the two large bolts that hold the spindle and the bolt for the brake line. The next step is to go to the top of the strut tower and remove the three bolts used for adjustments. On the Fiero, there was an oval disk that had to be removed as well. Once all these bolts are removed the strut will come out in one unit.
The next step is to compress the spring, use the spring tool
to take the load off the top of the spring perch. In this next picture, you can see the new strut with the
spring compressed. You can't see it in this picture, but there is another spring
compressor on the other side of the strut (my spring tool was in a package of
two). On top of the spring is the upper spring perch - in the center of it, you will see the top of a nut and
bolt. You have to remove that nut to remove the upper spring perch, once you do
this, you can remove the spring and reinstall it on the new strut.
This is just a closer look at the spring compressor.
I don't have any torque values for any of the bolts. The shop manuals will have this information. You will need an alignment after you replace the struts, so make sure to plan for that. Beyond that it's a relatively simple procedure.
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